"Nigerians Must Go": Ghanaians Protest Over Alleged Ritual Killings

"Nigerians Must Go": Ghanaians Protest Over Alleged Ritual Killings

  • Protests have erupted in Ghana accusing Nigerians of crimes like ritual killings and prostitution, with demonstrators demanding their expulsion
  • Protesters claim Nigerian traders, especially of Igbo origin, dominate markets and violate Ghanaian laws restricting foreign retail activity
  • The Ghanaian government has yet to officially respond, while tensions echo historic episodes like the 1983 “Ghana Must Go” deportations

A wave of street protests has erupted in parts of Ghana as demonstrators demand the expulsion of Nigerians accused of fuelling crime and endangering public safety.

In a video widely shared on Tuesday, large crowds carried placards bearing messages such as “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” and “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals.”

Ghanaians protest on the street.
Ghanaians are calling for the expulsion of Nigerians from their country. Photo: TikTok/Ghanablog
Source: TikTok

The demonstrators also displayed the photo of a man they claim was killed by a Nigerian in Accra.

A visibly angry woman, estimated to be in her mid-30s, was seen leading chants calling for Nigerians to leave.

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“Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow. Nigerians must go,” she shouted into the camera.

Another protester accused Nigerian traders, particularly those of Igbo origin, of dominating local markets and defying Ghanaian laws that restrict foreign participation in retail trade.

“These Igbo, they are in every part of the country and have targeted our markets. Not just Igbo, Nigerians are in almost every village, and our laws have not allowed foreigners to engage in real dealings. They are perpetrating evil in our country. They even have an Igbo king in Ghana. They have hijacked our lands. It is just a matter of time; we will conquer them and take over our country,” he declared.

Ghana Must Go memory refresh

The protests have revived memories of historical tensions between both nations, most notably the 1983 “Ghana Must Go” episode.

Back then, Nigeria’s government under President Shehu Shagari ordered around two million undocumented immigrants—many of them Ghanaians—to leave the country immediately.

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The move was justified at the time as a crackdown on illegal immigration, though critics viewed it as xenophobic. The event famously inspired the creation of the checkered plastic bag known today as the “Ghana Must Go” bag.

At the time, President Shagari defended the action, saying, “Illegal immigrants, under normal circumstances, should not be given any notice whatsoever. If you break a law, then you have to pay for it.”

Despite the growing tension, the Ghanaian government has yet to issue an official response or outline any measures to address the protesters’ demands.

It also remains unclear if there are plans to verify the allegations against Nigerians or to deport those found to be undocumented or involved in criminal activity.

Bags Filled With Money Take Centre Stage

Months ago, Legit.ng reported that actor Yhemo Lee's wedding had the attention of social media users for various reasons as videos were posted online.

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Aside from the outfits of the couple and how his friends hyped him as he tied the nuptial knot with his wife, Tayo, the money sprayed also made the news.

Some Ghana-Must-Go bags were filled with money and carried into the event hall which ignited comments from netizens .

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha avatar

Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng

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