Ghana and Nigeria have called for calm in the wake of recent tensions stemming from a statement made by a Nigerian national that went viral on social media.

The statement, attributed to Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, a Nigerian national who claimed to be an Igbo king in Ghana, sparked outrage among some Ghanaians, leading to protests last weekend and raising mild anxiety between citizens of both countries.

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his counterpart, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bianca Odumegwu-Okujwu, who led a Nigerian delegation on a fact-finding mission, urged Ghanaians and Nigerians alike not to escalate the situation. They noted that all parties involved have been engaged and concerns addressed.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Mr Ablakwa appealed to the media not to allow their platforms to be used as channels for incitement that could undermine the decades-long cordial relationship between the two countries.

“We want to appeal to you in the media to help us contain the situation and to manage this matter. Let us not promote those who are taking advantage of this and are engaging in inflammatory statements and incendiary statements,” he said.

He referenced the xenophobic attacks in South Africa over a decade ago, during which some African nationals were targeted due to unchecked inflammatory rhetoric.

Mr Ablakwa noted that Ghana is not immune to similar incidents that could spiral into violence, injuries or even deaths. He also cited historical events in the 1980s when both countries expelled each other’s nationals due to diplomatic tensions.

“We cannot joke with matters; we don't want conflict or war. Fellow Ghanaians, let's also remember a lot of Ghanaians live in Nigeria. Our consular department tells us that not less than 500,000 Ghanaians are living in Nigeria. So, there is always the potential of reprisal attacks,” he cautioned.

Commendation and assurance

Mr Ablakwa commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his government for their maturity and commitment to peace, describing the visit to Ghana as “an important step” and “the maturity and Pan-African spirit we want to see.”

He assured the Nigerian delegation that the Government of Ghana would do everything within its power to ensure the safety of all nationals living in the country.

The minister also urged all foreign nationals to be law-abiding.

“Once you visit Ghana, respect our laws. Don't engage in criminal and divisive combat; and once you do that, we are very happy to extend to you the quintessential Ghanaian hospitality, which we are famed for,” he said.

Social media speculation

For her part, the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the protests and misinformation circulating in Nigeria via social media, which called for Nigerians to leave Ghana.

She explained that this had sparked tension in Nigeria over the safety of Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana. However, upon arrival, the delegation observed a much calmer environment than what had been portrayed online.

“We were pleased to note that things were rather calm here in Ghana. The tensions that have been generated by these viral videos in Nigeria seem to literally have evaporated once we arrived to see that there were no visible protests that were ongoing. We want to reiterate that Nigeria and Ghana have long been partners,” she said.

Ms Odumegwu-Okujwu underscored the longstanding relationship between the two nations, warning that inflammatory videos, clips and rhetoric can cause lasting damage.

“They are capable of inflaming nations within the shortest possible time. Because young people often don't understand the far-reaching effects of the actions that they take. A lot of the time they jeopardise the lives and properties of people who in most cases are innocent,” she said.

She commended the Government of Ghana for their hospitality, commitment to peace, and their swift efforts to defuse a potentially volatile situation and ensure continued peaceful coexistence between Ghanaians and Nigerians.