Senate condemns anti-Nigerian protest in Ghana

The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations has condemned a recent protest in Ghana, during which demonstrators called for Nigerians to be expelled from the country. The Committee described the incident as deeply unfortunate and inconsistent with the values of African unity and regional cooperation. A viral video circulating on social media had shown […]

The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations has condemned a recent protest in Ghana, during which demonstrators called for Nigerians to be expelled from the country. The Committee described the incident as deeply unfortunate and inconsistent with the values of African unity and regional cooperation.

A viral video circulating on social media had shown a group of Ghanaian citizens staging a protest, accusing Nigerians living in Ghana of conduct deemed incompatible with local norms. The development sparked outrage and concern across diplomatic and civic circles, particularly within Nigeria and its diaspora communities.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aniekan Bassey, expressed disappointment over the protest, noting that such actions threaten long-standing diplomatic relations between the two West African nations.

“These kinds of protests are not only unjust but also dangerous. They undermine decades of friendship, shared history, and cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana,” Senator Bassey stated in a statement personally signed by him.

The Committee called on the government of Ghana to ensure the protection of all foreign nationals within its borders, especially Nigerians who have lived and contributed positively to Ghana’s social and economic development.

Senator Bassey reaffirmed that both countries, as key members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have a collective responsibility to uphold regional integration, peace, and the rights of citizens to move, reside, and do business across member states.

The Committee commended the swift intervention of the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for their timely diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and engage Ghanaian authorities constructively.

Additionally, it praised the collaborative roles played by both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions in ensuring the issue is addressed through formal diplomatic channels while protecting the rights of Nigerians.

Reassuring Nigerians residing in Ghana, Senator Bassey noted that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian abroad.

“The Senate stands firmly with all law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana. We encourage our citizens to remain calm, responsible, and peaceful as this matter is being handled through appropriate diplomatic channels,” he said.

He further urged Ghanaian citizens and government authorities to resist incitement and continue promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between both populations.

The Committee concluded by calling on leaders across the West African region to speak against hate, promote tolerance, and strengthen institutions that foster regional unity, in line with the vision of ECOWAS.