A former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Demola Onofowokan, has provided context to the recent protests in Ghana demanding Nigerians leave the country.
He clarified that the agitation primarily targets informal traders and individuals perceived as economically undesirable rather than all Nigerian residents.
Speaking on Arise News, Onofowokan traced the roots of the current tensions to longstanding economic rivalry, noting that Nigeria remains Ghana’s largest African trading partner, accounting for 60% of ECOWAS trade exchanges.
“The focus is on the tertiary traders and people whom I would describe as probably undesirable to their system,” he explained.
The former diplomat highlighted that similar tensions emerged in 1969 under Ghanaian Prime Minister Kofi Busia, when a “Nigerians must go” policy was implemented.
While many Nigerians returned home at that time, a significant population remained. He suggested the current situation reflects Ghana’s economic struggles, with Nigerian dominance in certain trade sectors fueling local resentment.
Onofowokan criticised the Tinubu administration’s delay in appointing ambassadors as exacerbating the crisis. “If we had an ambassador or High Commissioner on the ground, it probably wouldn’t have gotten to this,” he stated, emphasising how diplomatic representation could have facilitated high-level interventions.
The envoy recalled his efforts during his tenure to mediate similar tensions, underscoring the deep historical ties between both nations, from shared colonial-era currency and airline to joint military training.
While acknowledging the natural rivalry between both countries, particularly in sports, he maintained that their shared history and economic interdependence should prevail over temporary tensions.
As both nations navigate this delicate situation, Onofowokan’s insights suggest the crisis stems more from economic anxieties than xenophobia, with potential for resolution through diplomatic engagement and policy adjustments on informal trade practices.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
