Tensions in Accra as Ghanaians protest alleged criminal activities by Nigerians

A group of Ghanaians staged a protest over the weekend at the busy Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from the country. The demonstrators accused Nigerians of fueling crime and promoting immoral activities in Ghana.

The protest, which has since gone viral, was captured in a video shared on Sunday by Deji Adeyanju, Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

 In the video, scores of visibly angry protesters marched through the streets bearing placards that carried incendiary messages aimed at Nigerians residing in Ghana.

Some of the placards read: “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop.”

The protesters claimed that a growing number of Nigerians in Ghana were behind crimes ranging from prostitution and armed robbery to kidnapping and ritual killings. 

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They alleged that these activities were threatening public safety and tarnishing the country’s image.

One female protester who spoke in the video decried what she described as “disrespectful behaviour” by Nigerians living in Ghana. 

She said, “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”

While the demonstration appeared to reflect growing frustration among some Ghanaians over issues of crime and national security, it has sparked concern among observers about rising xenophobia and the potential for diplomatic tensions between the two West African nations.

However, many Nigerians on social media have condemned the protest, calling for calm and urging the governments of both countries to address the underlying issues through dialogue rather than hate-fueled rhetoric.

Ghana and Nigeria share strong historical, cultural, and economic ties, but relations between citizens of both countries have occasionally been tested by disputes over trade, immigration, and law enforcement.

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Diplomatic analysts warn that unless both governments move quickly to de-escalate the tension, the protest could trigger retaliatory sentiments and undermine regional cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).