Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has spoken out to calm public fears over rumors of mass deportations and growing tension between Ghanaians and Nigerians living in the country.
The statement comes in response to widespread public concern sparked by recent events including demonstrations by some Ghanaians and speculation surrounding the Nigerian community in Ghana.
The controversy stems from allegations involving a Nigerian traditional leader, often referred to as the Igbo King, who has been accused by some of attempting to establish an Igbo kingdom within Ghana. These claims, coupled with a recent spike in reported murder cases of Ghanaians under unclear circumstances, have fueled calls on social media and in some communities for retaliatory action against Nigerians residing in Ghana.
VIDEO: Are Nigerians Being Deported from Ghana in 2025? Minister Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa Answers
In response, the Foreign Affairs Minister and a Nigerian government representative have jointly clarified that there are no plans for any mass deportations, nor is there any official recognition of efforts to form an autonomous Nigerian enclave in Ghana. They both emphasized the importance of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence, urging citizens of both countries to reject misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric.
Many Ghanaians have drawn parallels to the historic “Ghana Must Go” episode of 1983, when over a million Ghanaians were expelled from Nigeria during a period of political and economic strain. Some voices have suggested that the tables should now turn, but the Minister reminded the public of the deep historical and economic ties between the two countries, insisting that unity, not division, is the path forward for Ghana-Nigeria diplomatic relations in 2025
