By Chris Olise
It is truly disheartening to witness the maltreatment of Nigerians in Ghana.
The Ghanaian people should be aware that there are still many Ghanaians residing in Nigeria, living and thriving without any issues.
The accusations being leveled against Nigerians in Ghana are unwarranted and seem to be driven by hatred, jealousy, and wickedness. It’s like giving a dog a bad name just to hang it.
I strongly condemn the allegations of kidnappings and ritual killings that have been associated with some Nigerians in Ghana.
While it’s possible that some individuals may engage in such heinous acts, it’s unfair to generalise and tarnish the image of an entire nation.
Any individual found guilty of such crimes should face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their nationality.
The allegation that an Ibo man is trying to “dictate” to Ghanaians because of his desire to build an Ibo town in Ghana is a flimsy excuse.It’s a simple matter of granting or rejecting a request.
Ghana should also be aware that we have “Ghana Quarters” in various parts of Nigeria, and it’s only fair to treat each other with respect and understanding.
It’s worth noting that Nigeria and Ghana have had their share of ups and downs in the past.
During the presidency of Shehu Shagari, about two million illegal West African immigrants, including half a million Ghanaians, were deported from Nigeria in 1983.
However, this was done without any blackmail, attack, or destruction of lives and properties. Despite this, Nigeria and Ghana still maintain bilateral diplomatic relations.
I’m calling on the Ghanaian authorities to caution their citizens and allow peace to reign.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, should also urgently intervene in this matter to prevent things from getting out of hand.
It’s shameful to see some Nigerians condemning their own people instead of rising up to defend them.
As someone writing from Delta State University, Abraka, I’m passionate about promoting peace and understanding between Nigeria and Ghana.
I believe that both countries can coexist and benefit from their diplomatic relations.
It’s time for calm and rational thinking to prevail, and for both nations to work towards a brighter future.
Chris Olise
Writing from Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
