Ghana Government Condemns Anti-Nigerian Protest, Warns Against Incitement

The Ghanaian Government has issued a warning against anti-Nigerian protests in the country, calling on citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peaceful and historic ties with Nigeria.

The protest follows the circulation of a decade-old video suggesting the establishment of an “Igbo Kingdom” in Ghana, an allegation that the government has debunked. The government confirmed that the individual at the centre of the controversy, Nigerian national Mr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has “long abandoned” any such ambitions and has issued an “unreserved apology” to the government and people of Ghana.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa, emphasised that Ghana and Nigeria share deep historical, cultural, and anthropological ties that must be preserved. He recalled previous incidents in the region’s history, such as the 1969 Aliens Compliance Order and Nigeria’s 1983 expulsion of over a million Ghanaians, to illustrate the dangers of allowing diplomatic tensions to escalate.

It should be noted that the protests sparked by the viral video, amongst other allegations against Nigerians in Ghana, appeared to have been politically motivated. Some politicians are said to have sponsored the protests; for instance, a former presidential candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), Mr Hassan Ayariga, has been linked to the protests. His name was boldly displayed on placards carried by demonstrators.

“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said. Ghana remains committed to Pan-Africanism, as taught by our founder, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. We are one people, and artificial borders should never divide us.”

The Foreign Ministry confirmed it will continue engaging with stakeholders, including affected communities, to promote understanding and prevent future misunderstandings. Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to focus on unity and resist the influence of those seeking to exploit the situation for political gain.

West Africa Weekly earlier reported that a series of high-stakes provocations, misinformation campaigns, and violent incidents unfolding over the past two weeks suggest a deliberate effort to destabilise West Africa, with Ghana increasingly at the centre.

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