“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests. Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history and we won’t allow anything to come between us.” With this statement entitled, “Mahama to Tinubu: No room for xenophobia in Ghana,” the President of Ghana, John Mahama effectively doused the tension that brewed recently in that country between some Ghanaians protesting what they considered to be unruly behavior of some Nigerians in Ghana.
It was a fitting statement that said it all. However, there is need for caution on both sides, to prevent boiling over of anger in a way that could threaten peaceful coexistence of the people of the two countries. In staging their protest, a group of Ghanaians had alleged criminal activities, including ritual killings, armed robbery and prostitution as well as economic dominance by Nigerians in the host country. Such allegations, if not carefully handled, can easily lead to mob action beyond the immediate control of government. It calls for caution on both sides and prompt action by the government of both countries to prevent escalation that could cause more problems. While the allegations should be investigated, diplomatic resolution is important.
In a public expression of resentment against Nigerian immigrants in Ghana, some Ghanaians also alleged domination of the local markets and taking over of their lands by some Nigerians. Naturally the news, when it broke out, sparked concerns over likely diplomatic fallout between Nigeria and Ghana, especially given the historical precedent in 1983 when the then President Shehu Shagari ordered the expulsion of undocumented immigrants, many of them Ghanaians, from Nigeria, citing economic pressure. But it is heartening that Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and the High Commissioners of both countries worked together to put the crisis under control.
President Mahama’s assurances are equally instructive. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, saying there’s no place for xenophobia in Ghana. Mahama disclosed this while receiving President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu at the Presidential Palace, Accra, Ghana.
The Ghanaian president reiterated his commitment to advancing the ECOWAS protocols, especially pertaining to the free movement of persons and goods in the region. Mahama asked the envoy to convey his message to President Tinubu, urging that he should not lose sleep over recent protests against Nigerian nationals resident in his country.
According to him, Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with shared history, so, they would not allow anything to come between them. He restated that the recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago actually generated the tension, but gladly announced that the situation was swiftly managed.
He said that the protesters were not up to 50, assuring the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana. On her part, Ojukwu thanked President Mahama for his hospitality, saying the envoy’s mission was to douse the tension in Ghana following a viral video against Nigerians.
Nevertheless, allegations against Nigerians should be investigated with a view to establishing whether they are true or false, and fishing out the culprits for appropriate sanctions or advice. The government of Ghana should continue to protect all residents of the country, including immigrants. Those who flout the country’s laws should be subjected to due process rather than unfairly branding all Nigerians as criminals.
While the protesting Ghanaians should take a cue from the admonition of their president that citizens of both countries are traditionally brothers, Nigerians in Ghana should be of good behaviour, respect the laws of the land and avoid undue conflict with their hosts.
No country condones criminality.
The protesting Ghanaians had also pointed out that, as shown in some of the videos on social media, a Nigerian was allegedly building a native village in a vast land he has acquired in Ghana, and had pronounced himself as the king, giving out traditional’ titles. Obviously, such action can occasion fear of some Ghanaians losing their land. If true, it should be stopped immediately to prevent unnecessary diplomatic tension. Even within Nigeria, disrespect to the history, culture and indigene ship of people had occasioned conflict. Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) should regularly intervene and educate Nigerians in foreign countries on the danger of engaging in untoward actions where they sojourn.
Nigerians in Ghana should not be provoked or go into violence in reaction to the protests against them. They should be calm and cooperate with the government of both countries to prevent an escalation of tension. NIDCOM has said there is no evidence to back up claims that properties of Nigerians in Ghana were destroyed. Everyone should shun incitement of people into violence.
Above all, Nigerian leaders should make Nigeria a place where citizens can live and develop to realise their life dreams without going outside the country. The government at all levels should create opportunities in all sectors for Nigerians to tap and live their desired life. The nation’s vast resources should be utilised for national development that will make all these possible and keep Nigerians back in their country.
