Tensions flared in Accra on Tuesday as a crowd of Ghanaians staged a protest demanding the expulsion of Nigerians over alleged involvement in crime and unlawful business activities.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution” and “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” the protesters accused Nigerian nationals of fueling insecurity in parts of the country.
One demonstrator claimed Nigerians had gained control of key markets and violated Ghana’s trade regulations.
“They are in every part of the country and have hijacked our lands. It is just a matter of time; we will reclaim our country,” he alleged.
The demonstration has revived memories of the 1983 mass deportation known as “Ghana Must Go,” when Nigeria expelled millions of undocumented West African migrants, including Ghanaians, under President Shehu Shagari’s administration.
As of press time, Ghanaian authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protest or address calls for a crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
