TOP diplomatic officials from Nigeria and Ghana are set to address a joint press conference in Accra, following growing tension sparked by protests under the banner of “Nigeria Must Go”, a campaign that has gained traction in parts of Ghana amid rising economic and social anxieties.
The protest, reportedly fuelled by concerns over migration, business competition, and economic hardship, has stirred unease in both countries and prompted an urgent diplomatic response to ease tensions and protect the rights of citizens.
Sources from the Ghanaian Foreign Ministry told News Point Nigeria that the Foreign Ministers of both countries will jointly brief the press in Accra, in what is expected to be a show of solidarity, a call for restraint, and a reaffirmation of regional cooperation between the two influential West African nations.
The ministers are expected to reiterate commitment to ECOWAS protocols, particularly the free movement of persons, goods, and services, and to address public concerns around immigration, business regulation, and bilateral trade.
Another diplomatic source told News Point Nigeria that the press briefing will also serve as a platform to clarify misinformation that has inflamed public sentiment in Ghana and to discourage xenophobic rhetoric targeting Nigerian nationals.
In a parallel move to reinforce bilateral ties and protect its citizens, the Federal Government of Nigeria dispatched the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to Ghana on a two-day mission aimed at defusing the situation and ensuring the safety and rights of Nigerians living in the country.
Speaking from Accra, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to fostering peaceful relations with Ghana, stating that the relationship between the two countries must remain strong “both at the state-to-state and citizen-to-citizen level.”
Upon her arrival at Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday evening, the Minister held an impromptu meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who was en route to the United Kingdom.
The quick interface focused on ensuring law enforcement cooperation on the safety of Nigerian residents and businesses in Ghana.
As part of her engagements, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu continued consultations on Wednesday, meeting with: Ghana’s President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Traditional rulers and opinion leaders, Nigerian community leaders and business owners and Ghanaian civil society representatives
She is expected to return to Abuja on Thursday, following a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening diplomatic understanding and preventing a breakdown in relations.
The Nigerian diaspora in Ghana has expressed heightened concern in recent days, as online campaigns and sporadic protests have called for the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghanaian markets and neighbourhoods.
Reports of business closures, threats, and rising xenophobic sentiment have flooded community platforms, prompting urgent calls for federal intervention.
Although no widespread violence has been officially reported, the psychological impact of the campaign and its potential for escalation have alarmed both governments.
Ghanaian officials, meanwhile, face internal pressure to address perceived economic grievances while also upholding ECOWAS principles and human rights obligations.
As tensions simmer, the upcoming press briefing by the two foreign ministers is expected to serve as a reset button for bilateral relations, and a reaffirmation of mutual respect between Ghana and Nigeria.