Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called for calm amid tensions sparked by a protest in Ghana where some demonstrators reportedly called for the deportation of Nigerians, particularly of Igbo origin.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, in Accra on Wednesday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described her visit as a fact-finding mission on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following concerns over viral videos suggesting rising anti-Nigerian sentiment in the West African nation.
“We are here in the Republic of Ghana on a fact-finding mission as a special envoy of President Bola Tinubu due to recent disturbances circulating on social media,” she said.
However, the minister noted that the situation on the ground was relatively calm. “Since our arrival, we have not witnessed any street demonstrations, burning of tyres, or visible signs of hostility. It appears the tension portrayed in viral footage has significantly subsided,” she said.
She credited the Ghanaian government’s swift intervention for the relative calm, while warning against the dissemination of inciting and misleading content capable of worsening bilateral relations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Nigeria and Ghana, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and responsible communication.
She also confirmed that her delegation had met with relevant Ghanaian government officials, local leaders, and individuals involved in the protest to de-escalate the situation and promote dialogue.
The Nigerian envoy urged both citizens and media outlets to act with restraint and promote unity between the two neighboring countries.