FG sends Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu to Ghana over protests targeting Nigerians, especially of Igbo origin.
She assures safety of citizens and calls for calm, unity, and stronger diplomatic cooperation.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has dispatched the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on a diplomatic mission to Ghana to address rising tensions following street protests calling for the expulsion of Nigerians from the country.
The two-day visit to Accra, which began on Tuesday, comes in response to protests where large groups of Ghanaians accused Nigerians, particularly those of Igbo origin, of being involved in crimes such as ritual killings, prostitution, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The protests sparked concerns among Nigerian nationals living in Ghana and triggered a swift diplomatic reaction from Abuja.
Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Odumegwu-Ojukwu met briefly with Ghana’s Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, before holding a high-level meeting with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa. The Nigerian minister also held talks with security chiefs, traditional rulers, and representatives of the Nigerian community.
“The Minister assured that the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians living in Ghana are safe and protected, and that there is certainly no threat of mass deportations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated on her official X handle.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Dr. Magnus Eze, the Minister emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to strong diplomatic ties with Ghana, not only at the governmental level but also among citizens of both nations.
Her meetings aimed to reinforce peaceful coexistence and rebuild trust amid growing public resentment in Ghana. The protests, captured in several viral videos, showed demonstrators holding signs such as “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals”, “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution”, and “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop.”
While tensions remain high, Ghanaian officials have reassured Nigeria that its citizens are not under threat of mass expulsion or state-sponsored harassment. Odumegwu-Ojukwu also used her visit to urge Nigerian residents in Ghana to remain law-abiding and to avoid any actions that could jeopardize their safety or the reputation of their host country.
The protests have also revived historical sensitivities, recalling the infamous “Ghana Must Go” episode of 1983, when Nigeria expelled millions of undocumented West African migrants, many of them Ghanaians, amid a deep economic crisis.
In light of these developments, the Nigerian government has stressed the need for calm, dialogue, and continued regional cooperation under the ECOWAS framework.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to brief President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon her return, with both countries expected to work closely to prevent a deterioration of relations and ensure the safety of citizens on both sides.
