Prostitution, Ritual Killings: Ghanaians Launch ‘Nigerians Must Go’ Protest
A wave of protests erupted in parts of Ghana on Tuesday, as some citizens took to the streets to demand the expulsion of Nigerians over alleged involvement in ritual killings, human trafficking, and prostitution within their communities.
In a viral video circulating on social media, dozens of protesters were seen carrying placards with strong messages such as: “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health is at risk due to mass prostitution,” “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Who protects the rights and freedom of Ghanaians?”
Some placards also contained ethnic slurs, with one blaming the Igbo ethnic group for the alleged criminal activities and market dominance across several Ghanaian towns.
The protesters accused some Nigerians, particularly those from the southeastern part of Nigeria, of dominating local markets, violating local business laws, and engaging in criminal acts, including ritual-related killings.
“They have taken over our markets and communities,” one protester declared. “Not only the Igbo, but Nigerians are everywhere—perpetrating all kinds of evil. They have even crowned an Igbo king here. This is our land, and we must take it back.”
Another protester, a woman in her mid-30s, criticized what she described as the “disrespectful behavior” of some Nigerians in Ghana.
“You can’t come to someone’s country and behave anyhow. Nigerians must go!” she shouted.
The demonstrators also displayed a photograph of a man who they claimed was recently killed by a Nigerian in the Accra area, although authorities have yet to confirm the incident.
This wave of anti-immigrant sentiment has drawn parallels to a historic episode in 1983, when the Nigerian government under President Shehu Shagari expelled nearly two million undocumented immigrants, many of whom were Ghanaians. The event led to the creation of the iconic “Ghana Must Go” bag, which symbolized forced migration and exclusion.
During that period, President Shagari declared, “Illegal immigrants, under normal circumstances, should not be given any notice whatsoever. If you break a law, then you have to pay for it.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Ghanaian government has not officially responded to the protest or indicated any immediate actions concerning the status of Nigerians residing in the country.
