The Federal Government has called for calm following protests by some Ghanaians alleging widespread criminal activity by Nigerians residing in Ghana.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned the generalisation of Nigerians as criminals. “Nigerians are not criminals; they are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. Those who break the law should be held accountable, but it is wrong to label the entire community,” she stated in a release issued by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.

Dabiri-Erewa noted the long-standing ties between Ghana and Nigeria, calling both nations “Siamese twins” who must uphold regional peace and integration in line with ECOWAS principles. She urged Nigerians in Ghana not to retaliate or be provoked by inflammatory rhetoric or viral videos suggesting violence or attacks on Nigerian-owned properties.

“There is no evidence that Nigerians’ shops or properties are being destroyed. We must avoid any reprisals,” she said, while warning against the spread of inciting statements.

Also reacting, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Senator Aniekan Bassey, condemned the protests, describing them as “deeply disturbing and contrary to the spirit of African brotherhood.”

A member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Bassey urged both countries to preserve their historic bond and work collaboratively to uphold regional peace. “We must keep the flame of brotherhood alive. Nigeria and Ghana, as ECOWAS members, should lead the way in promoting unity and integration,” he said.