In a startling display of xenophobia, the streets of Ghana erupted with protests on Tuesday as locals voiced their anger against the Nigerian community, accusing them of engaging in widespread criminal activities. The demonstrations, which saw a large turnout, have raised concerns about the deteriorating relationship between the two West African nations and the potential for escalating tensions.

Protesters, brandishing placards with inflammatory slogans, marched through the streets, demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from their country. Their grievances ranged from allegations of prostitution and armed robbery to more serious claims of kidnapping and ritual killings. One placard ominously read, "Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos," referring to one of Nigeria's major ethnic groups.

The demonstrators' fervor was palpable as they displayed a photograph of a man allegedly murdered by a Nigerian in Accra, Ghana's capital. One protester, a woman in her mid-30s, vehemently declared, "Nigerians must go because you can't be in someone's country and be doing anyhow."

Another demonstrator voiced concerns about Nigerian dominance in local markets, stating, "These Igbo, they are in every part of the country and have targeted our markets. Not just Igbo, Nigerians are in almost every village, and our laws have not allowed foreigners to engage in retail dealings." He went on to claim that Nigerians have "hijacked our lands" and even established an Igbo king in Ghana.

This incident has evoked memories of the infamous "Ghana Must Go" directive of 1983, when Nigeria, under President Shehu Shagari, ordered the expulsion of approximately two million undocumented immigrants, many of whom were Ghanaians. That event gave birth to the iconic "Ghana Must Go" bag, which became a symbol of forced migration and intolerance.

As of now, the Ghanaian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the protests or the status of Nigerians residing in the country. The silence from authorities has only added to the growing unease surrounding the situation.

This outbreak of anti-Nigerian sentiment in Ghana highlights the complex dynamics of intra-African migration and the challenges of integration. It also underscores the need for both governments to address these issues diplomatically to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety and rights of their citizens abroad.

As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this delicate situation. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of Nigerian-Ghanaian relations and the fate of the Nigerian diaspora in Ghana.