The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has strongly condemned a recent protest in Ghana calling for the expulsion of Nigerians from the neighbouring West African country.
The Upper legislative Chamber, described the development as unjust and dangerous to regional unity.
Protesters in the viral social media video reportedly involved a group of Ghanaians demanding the deportation of Nigerians over alleged misconduct and criminal activities.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bassey Aniekan expressed “deep concern” over what he termed “widespread indignation” being directed at Nigerians living in Ghana.
In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Senator Aniekan said it was unacceptable to criminalise an entire nationality based on the actions of a few individuals.
“Our people are not criminals. Nigerians are peace-loving, industrious, and contribute meaningfully to the societies they live in,” he said.
He emphasised that while there may be isolated cases of misconduct, they should not be used to tarnish the image of the wider Nigerian community.
He urged Ghanaians and the international community to recognise the valuable contributions of Nigerians abroad, including in Ghana.
Aniekan highlighted the historic diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ghana, noting that both countries have long shared economic, cultural, and regional bonds under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Calling for calm and restraint, the Senator appealed to Nigerians in Ghana not to engage in retaliatory or provocative actions, assuring them that the Nigerian government was actively engaging with Ghanaian authorities to resolve the matter.
“I have been reliably informed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, is already engaging with Ghanaian authorities to ensure that tensions do not escalate,” he stated.
He also urged citizens on both sides to refrain from spreading inciting or inflammatory rhetoric, warning that such actions could inflame tensions and undermine peace efforts.
Furthermore, Senator Aniekan dispelled unverified reports and viral videos suggesting attacks on Nigerian businesses and properties in Ghana, urging Nigerians to verify such claims before reacting.
He commended the swift responses from the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions and the proactive role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in managing the situation.
“Peace, unity, and mutual respect must continue to guide our relationship as sister nations,” he added.
