Protest: Nigerians safe in Ghana – Ghanaian govt

By John Ogunsemore

The Ghanaian government has assured that the safety of Nigerians remain paramount in the country, noting that protests targeted Nigerians have been quelled.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa gave the assurance during a Thursday joint press conference with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu was in Ghana on a two-day visit to address the situation of Nigeria-Ghana citizens’ relations in the aftermath of protests against Nigerians living in Ghana.

Protesters wielding placards and other protest materials over the weekend demanded the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghana over alleged criminal activities and cultural clashes.

The protesters, who were mostly local traders, said the Nigerians were causing problems.

Ablakwa said the mastermind of the protests was identified and severely reprimanded and has vowed to be of good behaviour henceforth.

He said, “As we have agreed, the video that went viral—we were all outraged. That video has been condemned by our counterparts from Nigeria.

“They have reprimanded the gentleman, and he has been asked not to engage in such statements. As we do know, I had met him earlier. He was very contrite and apologised about everything.

“He has issued a public statement to the government and people of Ghana and based on his conduct; he has demonstrated good faith. And will not thread that part any longer.

“It is also important that we have agreed that we will deepen our community-to-community engagement. We have great anthropological antecedents which shows that we are one people.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Ghanaian government for its swift action to douse tensions.

She said the situation since her arrival had been calm, emphasising the need for both nations to maintain a cordial relationship.

She said, “I came and saw that there were no tires burning on the streets and people with placards everywhere urging Nigerians to be deported.

“It speaks to how the government of President John Mahama was able to rise to the occasion.

“President Mahama and President Tinubu are like brothers. Of course, Nigerians were in a very festive mood during the inauguration ceremony of President Mahama.

“The message would be that there is no cause for alarm. The situation is being handled quite effectively. We will continue with our stakeholders’ engagements.”

The Nigerian minister further pointed out the disparity in residency permit fees between both countries, noting that Nigerians in Ghana face higher costs compared to Ghanaians in Nigeria, and called for a balance.