“Nigerians Must Go” — Why are Ghanaians chasing away their beloved neighbours?

Thousands of Ghanaians recently joined protests under the slogan “Nigeria Must Go,” from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. The demonstrations, organized by youth groups and civil society activists, expressed frustration over what protesters described as rising criminal activity allegedly linked to Nigerians residing in Ghana—ranging from fraud and kidnapping to prostitution and ritual killings. Demonstrators wielded placards with messages like “End Kidnapping,” “End Prostitution,” and “You cannot be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.” Many wore red (a symbol of protest) and draped themselves in Ghana’s national flag to emphasize national sovereignty.

The protest was originally scheduled for July 19, then July 26, but ultimately canceled due to insufficient participation and lack of official support from Ghanaian authorities. Organizers reportedly failed to mobilize crowds at planned venues like Obra Spot, and civil society groups prevailed in persuading government institutions to withhold endorsement.

Origins of the Discontent: Economic Competition and Alleged Crime

The movement stemmed from public concerns that Nigerians in Ghana—particularly informal traders and diaspora associations—were overshadowing local businesses and flouting trade regulations. Many Ghanaians perceive that economic benefits of ECOWAS free-movement are being exploited, with accusations that foreign traders undercut local markets without proper business registration. While Nigerian traders argue they provide jobs and engage in legitimate commerce, protesters cited behavior linked to moral decay and insecurity.

"Nigerians mast go" Ghanians says as they protest against Nigerians in their country.#BBNaijaS10 | Adekunle Gold | Big Soso | Mohbad | Ayo Balogun | Onyeka | Papa Ajasco pic.twitter.com/r3Om5QQHra

— Crisp Nigeria (@crispnigeria) July 28, 2025

Part of the symbolic outrage surrounded the installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana.” Critics viewed this Nigerian royal title in Ghana as a cultural overreach, sparking debate over sovereignty and foreign influence. The controversy intensified when photos of his opulent palace circulated online, triggering broader rejection from Ghanaian youth groups.

Historical Echoes: 1969 and 1983 Expulsions

The protests echo painful chapters in West Africa’s shared history—namely reciprocal expulsions dubbed “Ghana Must Go” and “Nigeria Must Go.” In 1969, Ghana’s Aliens Compliance Order forced hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants—many Nigerians—to leave within two weeks. An estimated 140,000 to 200,000 Nigerians were expelled, causing abrupt displacement and loss of property.

In 1983, Nigeria responded with its own mass deportation, ordering over two million foreigners (mostly Ghanaians) out of the country amid political and economic turmoil. The actions birthed the iconic red-and-white checkered “Ghana Must Go” bag, a symbol still associated with migration and displacement throughout West Africa.

These historical events have left a lingering legacy of mistrust and nationalist sentiment, which recent protests have tapped into—a reminder of how economic anxiety and xenophobia can flare quickly when relations strain.

Nigerian Community Under Pressure

Estimates suggest over 70,000 Nigerians reside in Ghana, working as traders, professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. The diaspora remains integral to Ghana’s informal economy, especially in urban centers. However, past disputes have shown how scrutiny escalates: from market closures targeting Nigerian vendors to discriminatory fees or visa challenges. The Nigerian High Commission in Accra has consistently pushed back against negative media portrayals, claiming that disproportionate crime reporting contributes to stereotyping and hostility .

Government Reactions & Civil Society Influence

Despite initial organization, the protest’s momentum collapsed. Ghanaian authorities—including youth groups and civil rights organisations—publicly discouraged the demonstration, arguing that it risked inflaming xenophobia. The lack of police cooperation and absence of institutional endorsement led to the movement’s eventual collapse Y.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, announced that the Federal Government would respond through diplomatic engagement, emphasising continued bilateral friendship and rejecting escalation. According to his statement, Nigeria is committed to resolving tensions peacefully through dialogue, reaffirming mutual respect between the nations.

Economic Stakes and ECOWAS Implications

Nigeria and Ghana engage in over $1.2 billion in annual bilateral trade. Both countries are ECOWAS pillars, with free movement and commerce as central principles. Analysts warn that xenophobic movements threaten these ideals, potentially jeopardizing regional cooperation. Economic experts stress the importance of fact-based negotiations—not emotional reactions—when addressing grievances involving immigrant communities.

How the Protest Was Defused

• Non-engagement by security forces and withdrawal of logistical support made mobilization difficult.

• Civil society voices advocating restraint helped shift public opinion against mass protest.

  
  
  

• Diaspora diplomacy: The Nigerian High Commission actively engaged national and expatriate communities to discourage escalation.

The protest’s cancellation suggests that Ghana’s institutions prioritize stability and non-discrimination over populist agitation.

The Way Forward: Recommendations for Stability

Diplomatic Channels: Ongoing dialogue should focus on verifying credible concerns related to criminality without lumping entire communities together. Immigration agencies on both sides need to clarify residency and work regulations pragmatic to ECOWAS standards.

Policy Reform: Ghana may need to revisit retail and trade regulations affecting foreign small-scale traders—particularly thresholds seen as incompatible with regional integration protocols.

Public Education: Governments should launch outreach campaigns reminding citizens of shared history and benefits of diaspora inclusion while discouraging rhetoric that targets communities based on nationality.

Monitoring & Transparency: Independent investigations into harassment claims, market closures, or rights violations would promote accountability and promote trust among both nationals and immigrants.

Why History Matters

The phrase “Ghana Must Go” remains embedded in West African memory. Today’s calls for “Nigeria Must Go” rekindle historic memories of displacement caused by economic distress. Learning from these experiences is crucial: they show how collective restraint and diplomacy can avoid eviction-style conflict and instead foster coexistence across borders.

The “Nigeria Must Go” protest in Ghana is a complex phenomenon shaped by economic friction, cultural tension, and historical grievance. Though it did not culminate in mass mobilization, the episode uncovers dormant anxieties and bilateral vulnerabilities that demand responsible engagement.

What matters now is leadership through dialogue, not demagoguery. Ghana’s civic institutions, Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, and community leaders have a chance to reaffirm ECOWAS ideals rather than fuel division. By responding with data-driven policies, public education, and cross-border collaboration, both countries may transform this incident into a test of resilience—and a reaffirmation of regional solidarity.