‘Nigerians Must Go’: Anti-Nigerian Protest Rocks Ghana

Tensions flared in Ghana’s capital on Saturday, July 26, as hundreds of protesters gathered at Obra Spot in Accra, calling for the immediate expulsion of Nigerians from the country.

Chanting slogans and holding signs that read “Nigerians Must Go,” “End Kidnapping,” “Stop Ritual Murders,” and “Our Kids Are Missing Because of Igbos,” the demonstrators blamed Nigerian immigrants for a surge in violent crimes, fraud, prostitution, and moral decline.

Clad in red a traditional symbol of protest many waved Ghanaian flags while expressing anger over what they described as unchecked criminal activities allegedly committed by some Nigerians.

“You can’t live in someone’s country and behave anyhow,” one woman yelled, holding a placard that warned about health risks due to “mass prostitution.”

In a viral video shared online, a protester on a motorcycle said the situation had deteriorated to the point where even basic safety could no longer be guaranteed.

“Soon, our children won’t be able to step out and return safely,” he said. “Look at what happened to our mother in Nigeria killed during a robbery. Why is it always Nigerians?”

He pointed fingers at Igbo immigrants in particular, even calling out the controversial installation of Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu as the “Igbo King of Ghana,” saying, “He should never call himself king in this land again.”

The “Eze Ndigbo” Controversy

The protest follows a recent public outcry over the coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler in Accra.

Photos of Eze Ihenetu’s lavish palace sparked outrage among Ghanaians, igniting debates over sovereignty, cultural identity, and the limits of foreign influence.

In response, the Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria issued a communique abolishing the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” outside Igbo land.

They introduced a new title “Onyendu Ndigbo” for Igbo community leaders in the diaspora.

The royal council emphasized that “Eze” is not a ceremonial title but a sacred one, conferred through traditional rites and ancestral blessings.

They warned that continuing to use the outlawed title in foreign lands would be considered disrespectful to Igbo heritage and authority.

Rising Frustrations Amid Regional Ties

Although both Ghana and Nigeria are members of the ECOWAS regional bloc, protesters questioned the purpose of what they described as a “heavy Nigerian presence” in Ghana.

“China is chasing Nigerians, South Africa too. Why is it always us dealing with this problem?” one speaker asked.

The protest signals growing strain in the relationship between the two West African giants and has sparked concern about xenophobia, stereotyping, and how governments will respond to growing tensions between citizens and migrant communities.

As of Sunday morning, Ghanaian authorities had yet to issue an official statement.

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