Minister Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu Declares No Cause for Alarm After Viral Deportation Claims
Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has dismissed fears stoked by viral social media videos suggesting threats against Nigerians in Ghana. She emphasised that her visit was essential to assess the reality and calm growing anxiety.
“Since I arrived, I haven’t seen people burning tyres in the streets or carrying placards everywhere calling for Nigerians to be deported,” she stated during a joint press briefing in Accra on Wednesday.
“This shows that the Ghanaian government and the president have stepped up to the situation… I would say there’s no cause for alarm, they are handling the situation effectively.”
Minister Engages With Ghanaian Authorities and Community Leaders
Odumegwu‑Ojukwu conducted meetings with Ghanaian officials, traditional leaders, and members of the Nigerian community to help de-escalate tensions and reinforce bilateral relations.
Her itinerary included engagements with the Ghanaian Foreign Minister and the President of Ghana, along with security officials including the Inspector General of Police.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad through continued diplomatic engagement.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Urges Calm, Protection, and Responsible Conduct
Joint Binding Message at Accra Press Conference
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, joined the press briefing to urge calm and caution the media against inflammatory coverage. He emphasised the need to preserve decades of cordial relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
“The Ghanaian government will ensure that everyone in the country citizens and non-citizens is protected,” he assured.
However, he stressed that all residents must be law‑abiding and avoid divisive actions.
Viral Rumours Refuted as Both Governments Reaffirm Regional Unity
The statements follow widespread viral footage of protests in Ghana, in which demonstrators called for the deportation of Nigerians alleging misconduct, criminality, and cultural misalignment. Both Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities have categorically dismissed these claims as unverified and exaggerated.
Together, the two ministers have called on publics in both countries to avoid panic, rely on official communication channels, and uphold African solidarity and West African fraternity.
Why This Matters for Nigerians in Ghana
Current Situation: No verified reports of widespread deportation or unrest
Government Response: High‑level diplomatic engagement and reassurance by both countries
Advice to Citizens: Stay calm, remain law‑abiding, and report any incidents to the Nigerian consulate
Diplomatic Outlook: Renewed citizen‑to‑citizen and government‑level cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana
Both countries underscored their enduring shared values as ECOWAS members, reaffirmed commitment to regional harmony, and pledged unity in the face of misinformation, restoring confidence in long‑standing ties.
