Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Joe Keshi, has called on Nigerians residing in Ghana to respect the country’s laws and cultural values amid growing tensions following the recent “Nigeria Must Go” protests in Accra.
The protests, reportedly driven by complaints from local traders about Nigerian-owned businesses dominating retail spaces, have reignited long-standing sensitivities between the two West African neighbours.
Keshi, in a chat with Sunday Vanguard, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for resolving the rift but warned that the conduct of some Nigerians abroad can aggravate local resentment.
His words: “The issue is a bit complex because of the number of factors involved. It is a long-standing resentment towards Nigerians.
“The anti-Nigerian sentiment played out in Ghana, but the Federal Government has been working behind the scenes to manage it. Unfortunately, some Nigerians running businesses on the streets of Ghana behave badly.”
He noted that such actions can alienate host communities, especially when local traders feel displaced.
“You have displaced Ghanaians running businesses on the streets, and yet you flaunt your wealth. If you are in Rome, you behave like a Roman. Nigerians should learn to conduct themselves wherever they find themselves because you can’t go to the United States and behave like this,” Keshi added.
He urged Nigerian leaders and diaspora associations to educate citizens on responsible conduct, warning that economic displacement often breeds hostility.
Keshi also called on Ghanaians to avoid overreacting, stressing that cultural and historical ties between the two nations should foster unity rather than division.
“Somebody should educate Ghanaians that they are overreacting, especially as their President has a cultural affiliation with Nigeria,” he said.
Recalling past hostilities, Keshi remarked: “It was Ghana that started the expulsion of Nigerians in Ghana.”
