“Nigerians Must Go”: Tension Rises as Ghanaians Protest Against Nigerians in Accra
In a development that has reignited concerns over xenophobia and strained cross-border relations, a group of Ghanaians staged a protest in Accra over the weekend, demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from the country. The protesters, who gathered in the Circle area of the Ghanaian capital, carried placards bearing slogans such as “Nigerians Must Go,” “Kidnapping and Ritualism Must Stop,” and “Our Health is at Stake Due to Mass Prostitution.”
Videos circulating online show the crowd chanting slogans and accusing Nigerian immigrants; particularly members of the Igbo ethnic group; of engaging in criminal activity, including internet fraud, kidnapping, prostitution, and ritual killings. Though not state-sponsored, the protest has triggered alarm among Nigerian communities in Ghana, many of whom say they already face discrimination and fear for their safety.
The Accusations and the Backlash
Protesters cited “increasing criminal activities” allegedly perpetrated by Nigerians as their reason for the demonstration. “We are not saying all Nigerians are bad,” one protester told a local journalist. “But most of the crimes being committed around here; armed robbery, prostitution, ritual killings, have Nigerian fingerprints on them.”
The protest comes amid growing tension between both nations over trade restrictions, immigration issues, and security concerns. Nigerian civil society groups and diaspora associations have condemned the protest as “xenophobic,” warning that it risks inciting violence and worsening already fragile relations.
History Repeats?
The protest evokes uncomfortable memories of the infamous 1983 “Ghana Must Go” episode, when over a million Ghanaians were expelled from Nigeria during a period of economic instability. The event sparked a historic rift between the two nations, symbolized by the now-iconic red and blue-striped bags used by migrants, still called “Ghana Must Go” bags today.
But in recent years, the tables have turned. With Ghana’s relative economic and political stability, Nigerians have increasingly migrated there for business, education, and better opportunities. This influx has led to mounting tension over space, jobs, and cultural influence.
Fact-Checking and Media Amplification
Though videos of similar anti-Nigerian protests have circulated in the past, some of the recent clips were falsely labeled or recycled from older events. A protest in 2023 where a Ghanaian community demanded the exit of a specific Igbo resident, for instance, was recently debunked as “old footage” by fact-checking agencies.
However, the July 2025 demonstration is confirmed to be recent and distinct; underscoring that anti-Nigerian sentiment is far from a closed chapter in Ghana.
Diplomatic Concerns
The Nigerian High Commission in Accra has yet to release an official statement, but sources close to the embassy have expressed concern over the protest and are urging the Ghanaian government to protect Nigerian citizens. Back home, civil society leaders in Nigeria have also called on ECOWAS to step in and prevent further escalation.
“Targeting Nigerians en masse is dangerous and irresponsible,” said Nigerian human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who amplified the protest footage on social media. “If people have committed crimes, let the law take its course. But inciting mobs to push out an entire nationality is reckless.”
Where Do We Go from Here?
As Ghana and Nigeria continue to navigate complex social and political dynamics, this protest is a reminder that the bonds between neighboring African nations; no matter how deep; must be carefully maintained. It also highlights the urgent need for governments on both sides to address immigration, trade friction, and rising xenophobia before they spiral into something more dangerous.
For now, Nigerian residents in Ghana remain cautious, with many fearing that such sentiments may spill into physical violence if left unchecked.
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