Ghana Must Go History: Why Ghanaians Hate Nigerians…The Untold Story

Ghana Must Go History: Why Ghanaians Hate Nigerians…Here Is The Untold Story

This Is What Happened Between Nigeria And Ghana In 1983

In the early 1980s, the global oil market experienced a significant downturn, with oil prices plummeting from their previously high levels. As a major oil producer and exporter, Nigeria was heavily reliant on oil revenues to support its economy. This sudden drop in oil prices led to a severe economic crisis in the country, with Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves dwindling and its ability to import essential goods severely compromised.

The Nigerian government, led by President Shehu Shagari, was forced to implement a series of austerity measures to stabilize the economy and reduce the country’s dependence on oil. These measures included currency devaluation, cuts in public spending, and import restrictions. The economic crisis also led to a sharp increase in unemployment, which further exacerbated social tensions within the country.

Amid these challenging times, the Nigerian government turned its attention to the large number of illegal immigrants residing in the country. Many of these undocumented migrants were from neighboring West African countries, with Ghanaians making up a significant portion of this population. The Nigerian authorities believed that the presence of these immigrants was putting additional strain on the country’s limited resources and contributing to the high levels of unemployment.

In January 1983, the Nigerian government enacted a policy that called for the mass expulsion of illegal immigrants. This policy, known as “Ghana Must Go,” targeted around 1-2 million undocumented migrants, the majority of whom were Ghanaians. The Nigerian government provided a tight deadline of just a few weeks for these individuals to leave the country, leading to a chaotic and often inhumane deportation process. Many of the affected Ghanaians were forced to leave behind their possessions, homes, and even family members, as they hastily tried to comply with the deportation order.

Ghanaians leaving Nigeria in 1983

The mass deportation of Ghanaians during the “Ghana Must Go” crisis had significant consequences for both Nigeria and Ghana. In Ghana, the sudden influx of returnees placed immense pressure on the country’s already struggling economy, leading to increased competition for jobs, housing, and other essential resources. The Ghanaian government had to scramble to provide support for the returnees, many of whom faced significant challenges in reintegrating into Ghanaian society.

The “Ghana Must Go” policy also strained the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, as the Ghanaian government expressed its displeasure with the manner in which the deportations were carried out. The incident fueled anti-Nigerian sentiments in Ghana, with many Ghanaians holding Nigeria responsible for the hardships they experienced during this period.

Despite these challenges, the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana has gradually improved over the years. The two nations have worked together to promote regional stability and economic development in West Africa. They have also fostered closer ties through cultural exchanges, bilateral trade, and diplomatic cooperation. Today, Nigeria and Ghana are often regarded as examples of friendly neighbors and important partners in the West African sub-region, having overcome the difficulties of the past to build a more collaborative and prosperous future.