The Government of Ghana has issued a stern warning to protesters following a viral social media video that threatened demonstrations against Nigerians living in the country.
This development comes in the wake of a two-day official visit by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, who met with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to address growing concerns about the safety and welfare of Nigerians and their businesses in the West African nation.
During a joint press briefing, Bianca Ojukwu reassured the public, saying, “There is no cause for alarm,” and noted that, “since her arrival the situation has been calm.” She stressed the importance of nurturing cordial ties between the two countries and called for a review of policies affecting Nigerians residing in the country.
Highlighting the imbalance in residency permit fees, she said, “Concerns about the disparity in residency permit costs for Nigerians in Ghana,” compared to what Ghanaians pay in Nigeria, must be addressed, urging for a “fairer balance.”
On his part, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that he had interacted with the Nigerian citizen accused of trying to form a “kingdom” in the country. He clarified, “there were no territorial ambitions involved.”
However, he raised alarms over the increasing rate of crimes allegedly committed by some Nigerians in the country, advising that, “Nigerians in Ghana should strictly adhere to laws and avoid criminal offenses.”
Both ministers reaffirmed the commitment of their nations to enhancing diplomatic relations and promoting peaceful coexistence among their citizens.
