"History Repeats? Ghana's 'Nigeria Must Go' Protest Echoes 1983 Deportation of Ghanians".by Waheed Ogunjobi

The "Nigeria Must Go" protest in Ghana is rooted in allegations of Nigerian nationals engaging in crimes such as kidnapping, prostitution, and ritual murders. The protests, which took place on July 26, 2025, in Accra's Obra Spot, featured demonstrators carrying placards with messages demanding the expulsion of Nigerians.

Root Cause:

The root cause of the protest seems to be growing frustration among Ghanaian citizens over perceived insecurity and moral decadence linked to some Nigerian nationals. The protesters accused Nigerians of fueling insecurity and moral decay in Ghana, with some even referencing a recent incident involving a Ghanaian official who died in Abuja, Nigeria, after a robbery incident.

Historical Context:

The "Nigeria Must Go" protest bears an uncomfortable resemblance to past diplomatic rows between Nigeria and Ghana. In 1969, Ghana implemented its Alien Compliance Order, deporting undocumented West African immigrants, mostly Nigerians. Two decades later, Nigeria retaliated by deporting over 1 million African immigrants in 1983, most of whom were Ghanaians. This episode, remembered through the phrase "Ghana Must Go," remains a sensitive chapter in the shared history of the two countries.

Analysis:

The protest appears to be a reprisal of sorts, with Ghanaians now demanding that Nigerians leave their country. However, the Nigerian government has vowed to handle the situation diplomatically, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stating that they will engage with Ghana diplomatically. The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has also appealed for calm, urging both countries to avoid inflammatory remarks that could worsen tensions.

Additional Background:

The controversy surrounding the Igbo monarchy in Ghana has added to the tensions. The installation of a traditional Igbo leader, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as "Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana" sparked protests and debate over issues of sovereignty and cultural identity. In response, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria abolished the use of the title "Eze Ndigbo" for Igbo leaders residing outside Igbo land, introducing a new title "Onyendu Ndigbo" instead.