Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Federal Government (FG) has formally responded to rising tensions in Ghana, where some citizens have petitioned for the mass deportation of Nigerians residing in the West African nation.
The calls for deportation, reportedly fueled by concerns over alleged criminal activities attributed to some Nigerian nationals, were met with a firm rebuttal from Nigerian authorities.
Understanding Deportation Concerns in Ghana
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian government strongly contested the characterization of its citizens as criminals. Officials emphasized that the actions of a few individuals should not lead to the stigmatization or collective punishment of the entire Nigerian community in Ghana.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects the notion that Nigerians in Ghana are inherently criminals,” the statement read. “While we acknowledge isolated incidents involving individuals of any nationality, it is grossly unfair and inaccurate to label an entire community based on the actions of a minority.”
The statement highlighted the significant positive contributions made by Nigerians living legally in Ghana across various sectors, including business, education, and healthcare. It underscored the long-standing historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two West African neighbors.
The Nigerian government urged Ghanaian authorities and citizens to differentiate between lawful Nigerian residents and any individuals found guilty of criminal acts. It reiterated its commitment to cooperating with Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to address any genuine concerns regarding criminal elements, regardless of nationality, through established legal frameworks and bilateral agreements.
The FG also called for calm and mutual respect between citizens of both countries, emphasizing the importance of preserving the strong fraternal bonds that have historically defined Nigeria-Ghana relations.
The development follows reports of heightened anti-Nigerian sentiment in certain sections of Ghanaian society and online platforms, prompting the official response from Abuja.
