By Nkechi Eze
The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has strongly condemned the recent protest in Ghana targeting Nigerian nationals, describing the development as “deeply disturbing and contrary to the spirit of African brotherhood.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Committee expressed concern over a viral video circulating on social media in which a group of Ghanaians was seen protesting and calling on their authorities to expel Nigerians from the country over claims that their behavior was not aligned with Ghanaian cultural norms.
Reacting to the footage, the Senate Committee called on both Nigeria and Ghana to safeguard the historic ties of friendship, mutual respect, and regional cooperation that have long existed between the two West African countries.
The Committee emphasized that both nations, as key members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), must remain committed to promoting peace, unity, and regional integration in line with the ECOWAS Charter.
“The flame of brotherhood must not be extinguished,” the Committee stated, urging restraint and dialogue as the way forward.
The Committee further commended the prompt diplomatic interventions of the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, for their swift and strategic engagement with relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the situation.
It also applauded the collaborative efforts of both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners, noting their proactive roles in calming tensions and ensuring that normalcy is restored.
Reassuring Nigerians residing in Ghana, the Senate Committee confirmed that the governments of both countries are in active communication and have already initiated steps to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens in the host country.
“The Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs stands firmly with every law-abiding Nigerian in Ghana and urges calm as diplomatic mechanisms are being effectively deployed to address the situation,” the statement read.
The Committee also advised Nigerians living in Ghana to remain law-abiding, avoid inciteful rhetoric, and continue to promote peace and harmony within their communities.
