The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for calm following recent protests in Ghana demanding the deportation of Nigerians.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said her visit was prompted by viral videos that sparked anxiety among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“Since arriving, I haven’t witnessed any street protests, burning of tyres, or widespread calls for Nigerians to be expelled,” she said. “This indicates that the Ghanaian authorities, particularly President Akufo-Addo’s administration, have taken proactive steps to address the situation. There is no cause for alarm.”
The minister revealed that she had met with community leaders and key stakeholders to help defuse tensions and foster understanding.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, affirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding all residents, including foreigners.
“We are engaging the Nigerian community and ensuring that every person, whether a citizen or not, is protected,” Ablakwa said. “At the same time, we expect all residents to be law-abiding and refrain from activities that may incite division.”
Insight Media recalled that the controversy began over the weekend when a group of Ghanaian traders staged a protest calling for the expulsion of Nigerians. The demonstrators, mostly from the local retail sector, accused Nigerian traders of engaging in activities contrary to Ghanaian laws and values, including alleged criminal behaviour.
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