- Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she saw no street violence or signs that Nigerians were under immediate threat of deportation.
- The minister held talks with protest organisers to ease tensions and understand the grievances expressed in the demonstrations.
The minister of state for foreign affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has dismissed fears surrounding recent protests targeting Nigerians in Ghana.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who addressed journalists at a joint press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, said her visit was to assess the situation firsthand.
She explained that viral videos had created panic among Nigerians, prompting her to visit Ghana for an on-the-ground evaluation.
“Since I arrived, I haven’t seen people burning tyres in the streets or carrying placards everywhere calling for Nigerians to be deported,” she said.
“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, and we will continue engaging stakeholders.”
The minister said she had met with leaders and individuals involved in the protest to help calm tensions.
She also assured that diplomatic efforts were ongoing to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of Nigerians living in Ghana.
Ghana’s minister of foreign affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, said the matter was receiving full attention from the government.
He revealed that his ministry had held talks with members of the Nigerian community as part of efforts to resolve the issue.
“The Ghanaian government will ensure that everyone in the country — citizens and non-citizens — is protected,” he said.
Ablakwa also urged foreign nationals in Ghana to comply with local laws and refrain from divisive or criminal behaviour.
He noted that mutual respect and cooperation between nationals would foster lasting peace and understanding.