Nigeria Pledges Stronger Ties With Ghana Amid Anti-Nigerian Protests and Ministerial Tragedy
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Ghana, even as anti-Nigerian protests continue to erupt in Accra under the trending hashtag #NigeriaMustGo.
This diplomatic assurance was issued Wednesday by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a helicopter crash that killed Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with other top officials.
The crash occurred on August 6 as the ministers traveled to Obuasi. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, confirmed that three other government officials and three Air Force personnel also died in the crash. Debrah described the incident as a national tragedy and a devastating blow to Ghana’s leadership and security sector.
Nigeria’s statement described the crash as a “devastating tragedy” that robbed the region of distinguished public servants. The message extended “deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana,” praising Dr. Boamah and Hon. Muhammed as leaders committed to regional security and environmental sustainability. Nigeria emphasized solidarity with Ghana in this time of grief and pledged to deepen bilateral ties despite the rising tensions.
The condolence message read in part: “We share in the sorrow of our brothers and sisters in Ghana and offer our prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. Our thoughts are also with the families of the deceased and the entire Ghanaian government. As neighbours and partners in progress, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two nations, even in moments of profound loss.”
This tragedy comes against the backdrop of mounting public anger in Ghana. In July, large protests erupted at the Obra Spot in Accra, with demonstrators demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from the country.
Protesters accused Nigerians of being involved in crimes such as kidnapping, fraud, ritual killings, and prostitution. Placards at the protest bore messages such as “Nigerians Must Go,” “End Prostitution,” “End Fraud,” and “Our Kids Are Getting Missing Because of Igbos.”
In viral videos from the protest, many demonstrators were seen wearing red clothing and waving the Ghanaian national flag a visual symbol of grief and resistance.
