Nigeria has begun mending fences with Ghanaian authorities over anti-Nigerian rhetoric in the West African neighbour.
Citizens of Ghana are agitating against Nigerians living in the nation who allegedly commit crimes and illegal activities, prompting the now popular mantra, ‘Nigeria Must Go.’
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining stronger relations with Ghana during a two-day visit to Ghana.
She said the relationship would not only end at the Government level but extend to the citizen-to-citizen level to ensure it gets to the grassroots.
Magnus Eze, Spokesman to the minister, said in a statement on Wednesday that, “As part of the engagements for the minister, a few minutes after touching down at Kotoka Accra International Airport, Ghana on Tuesday evening, she had a quick interface with the Inspector General of Police Ghana, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was on his way to London, United Kingdom.”
He noted that Odumegwu-Ojukwu continued similar engagements on Tuesday and Wednesday with Ghanaian officials and leaders of the Nigeria community.
Earlier, Bassey Aniekan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, had urged for calm and restraint following a viral social media video showing some Ghanaians protesting and allegedly calling for Nigerians to be deported over claims of misconduct.
The video, which has sparked concern across both countries, shows some Ghanaians accusing Nigerians of behaviour inconsistent with Ghanaian societal norms.
Reacting to the development, Aniekan described the protest and the resulting generalisation of Nigerians as criminals as “deeply concerning and deserving of outright condemnation.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the senator said, “Nigerians are known for their hard work and resilience. They are good ambassadors of the country wherever they go.
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“While we do not deny that a few bad elements may exist among them, it is unfair and dangerous to paint the entire community with a broad brush.”
Aniekan emphasised the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, highlighting their shared cultural, economic, and political ties as members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Ghana and Nigeria are not just neighbours; we are brothers. In the spirit of regional integration and cooperation, we must continue to foster peace and understanding,” he said.
The lawmaker cautioned against retaliatory actions and inciting rhetoric from both citizens and public commentators, warning that inflammatory remarks could escalate an already tense situation.
