The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations has condemned recent calls from some Ghanaians demanding the deportation of Nigerians, insisting that Nigerians are known for their hard work and not criminality.
Tribune Online reports that in a viral video on social media, a group of Ghanaians held a protest demanding the removal of Nigerians from the country, alleging that Nigerians’ behaviour does not conform to Ghanaian societal norms.
Reacting to the development, Senator Bassey Aniekan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, described the protest as a gross misrepresentation of Nigerians.
“Nigerians are hardworking people and not criminals as purported,” Aniekan said. “They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. While there may be a few bad individuals among them, the vast majority are peaceful and law-abiding citizens.”
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Aniekan, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, stressed the importance of the longstanding diplomatic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Ghana, urging both nations to foster unity as members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and should continue to live in peace. Dialogue has proven countless times to be a tool for peace and should be deployed,” he added.
The senator advised Nigerians living in Ghana to remain calm, avoid retaliation, and resist any form of provocation, assuring them that the Nigerian government is handling the situation through diplomatic channels.
He confirmed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, is already in contact with relevant Ghanaian authorities to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of Nigerians residing in the country.
Addressing widespread rumours about attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses in Ghana, Aniekan said there is no verified evidence supporting such claims.
He commended the diplomatic missions of both countries, including the Nigerian and Ghanaian high commissioners, for their quick and coordinated response.
He further cautioned against the use of inflammatory language that could worsen the situation, ememphasising e need for mutual respect and cooperation between the two West African neighbours.
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