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In a bid to address growing concerns among Nigerian nationals in Ghana and the government of Nigeria, President John Dramani Mahama has provided a clear assurance: there will be no mass deportations of Nigerian citizens from Ghana. During a formal meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Mahama strongly emphasized Ghana’s ongoing commitment to regional unity, diplomatic transparency, and the principles enshrined in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His remarks came amidst viral social media content and widespread speculation suggesting a possible clampdown on Nigerian immigrants.
The concern stemmed largely from a resurfaced video, originally filmed in 2013, featuring an individual referred to as an “Igbo king” speaking about acquiring land in Ghana. The footage, though old, recently went viral, sparking panic, rumors of mass deportation, and fears of hostility toward Nigerian-owned businesses in Ghana. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who arrived in Accra as a special envoy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed that the video had triggered alarm at multiple levels of Nigerian society. According to her, emergency discussions were held in Nigeria’s National Assembly, and some traditional rulers advised their citizens in Ghana to return home. Nigerian citizens reportedly feared the destruction of property and forced repatriation.
President Mahama responded with reassurance and clarity, underlining the longstanding bonds between the two countries. “Ghana and Nigeria are like siblings, children of the same parents,” he said. “Our destinies are closely intertwined.” He referenced the painful history of mass deportations in both countries, including Ghana’s Aliens Compliance Order in the 1960s and Nigeria’s expulsions in the 1980s, describing those chapters as “unfortunate” and firmly in the past.
“Neither Ghana nor Nigeria should ever again pursue mass deportation of each other’s citizens,” he declared.
The president also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS principles, which guarantee freedom of movement, residence, and establishment for citizens across member states. According to him, Ghana respects the legal rights of all foreign nationals living in the country and will continue to act within the framework of international and regional obligations.
While acknowledging that there have been isolated incidents involving foreign nationals, President Mahama clarified that such cases are addressed individually and through proper judicial processes.
“Anyone involved in criminal activity will be held accountable as an individual. We do not practice collective punishment or stereotyping based on nationality,” he added.
He also dismissed claims about the formation of a foreign-backed traditional authority within Ghana, explaining that Ghana’s legal system does not permit the establishment of foreign traditional councils. The viral video, he stated, had been grossly misinterpreted, leading to an avoidable diplomatic misunderstanding.
In response to President Mahama’s remarks, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude for the Ghanaian government’s transparency and measured response, which she said helped calm what could have escalated into a diplomatic and social crisis. She also confirmed that fears of unrest among Nigerians in Accra were proven to be largely unfounded upon their arrival.
“Your commitment to regional unity and human dignity has been noted,” she said. “This is the kind of leadership West Africa needs during times of misinformation and panic.”
President Mahama’s assurance comes at a critical time for ECOWAS, as the region grapples with security threats, economic instability, and the dangers of misinformation on digital platforms. His message, centered on diplomacy, regional solidarity, and human rights, reaffirms Ghana’s role as a stabilizing force in West Africa. As misinformation continues to travel quickly online, this episode underscores the importance of swift diplomatic engagement and media literacy to prevent tensions between closely connected nations. For now, Nigerians residing in Ghana can take comfort in the government’s public commitment to their rights, security, and inclusion.