Ghanaian authorities scrambled Friday to forestall a further escalation of a deportation row that has gripped both their country and Nigeria in recent weeks.

Kwame Takyi, comptroller-general of Ghana Immigration Service, came calling at his Nigerian counterpart Mohammed Babandede’s office in Abuja on Friday afternoon, during which both countries discussed issues surrounding deportation of one another’s citizens.

The visit comes a week after Nigeria deported four Ghanaians to Accra. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that no formal explanation was publicly rendered for the deportation, which was approved by Abdulrahman Dambazau, the interior minister.

A month earlier, Nigeria had protested mass deportation of at least 723 of its citizens between 2018 and February 2019. The Nigerians were accused of illegal stay, cybercrime, prostitution and other social vices.

Eighty-one Nigerians were deported on alleged cybercrime and illegal stay in January, while 115 have so far been deported in February on the allegation of overstay and prostitution, NAN reported, adding that Nigerian ambassador to Ghana, Michael Abikoye, strongly protested the action to the Ghanaian government in Accra.

Nigeria’s objection to the removal of its citizens from Ghana and failure to publicly state the offences of the four deported Ghanaians had fueled speculation that the March 22 decision might have been done in retaliation.

A warning sounded

Details of the meeting between the Ghanaian immigration chief and his Nigerian host were not immediately made public Friday, but multiple immigration officials in Abuja said it was an interaction that elevated Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.

Mr Takyi said his visit to Nigeria was to “reiterate his country’s special relationship with Nigeria,” and quell the raging tension around deportations, an immigration source told PREMIUM TIMES.

A source said Nigeria made it clear that the manner with which its citizens were being treated by Ghana was unacceptable, especially when both countries were widely assumed to be harbouring special diplomatic relations.

The official, who pleaded anonymity because he was not an authorised personnel to publicly discuss the meeting, said Nigeria took the high ground in its handling of Ghanaians, especially on an issue that Ghana had long been found wanting.

“Whenever they deported Nigerians, they usually do so by road, and then dump them at Seme Border, they have done this many times in recent years,” the senior immigration official said. “But when we deported their citizens, we buy tickets for them and put them on the plane back to their country.”

The official said many Nigerians often suffered serious torture and injuries in the course of being transported by road from Ghana to Seme Border, an act considered inhuman and a violation of extant international conventions on rights.

Mr Takyi urged a return to the era of seamless relations between Nigeria and Ghana, noting that both countries can achieve a lot through brotherly cooperation.

Mr Babandede acknowledged the mutual benefits inherent in such relationship but ultimately made it clear that specific demands that Nigeria should cease further deportation of Ghanaians would have to be escalated to higher authorities within the Nigerian government for consideration.

Sunday James, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Immigration Service, did not immediately return multiple telephone calls and text messages seeking comments about the meeting between Friday night and Saturday morning.

‘Legitimate bickering’

Both Nigeria and Ghana have enjoyed ‘special relationship’ for decades, but are no strangers to deportation crisis. In the early 1980s, thousands of Ghanaians were forcibly removed from the country by the Shehu Shagari administration, triggering in a chaotic exodus that fueled tensions in the sub-region for years.

Nigeria accused Ghanaians of taking increasingly unavailable jobs and accused many of constituting a nuisance in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Both countries have, however, come a long way since the 1980s fallout, and the latest crisis appeared legitimate on both sides, according to foreign affairs expert Williams Fawole.

“Both countries appear to have serious reasons to deport persons not complying with existing laws in their respective jurisdictions,” Mr Fawole, a professor of international relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, told PREMIUM TIMES Friday night.

Mr Fawole said it was not uncommon for Nigerians to overstay their citizenship in Ghana, or for Ghanaians to stay beyond a permitted period, even though the ECOWAS Treaty has clear provisions on migration in member countries.

“ECOWAS only permits you to stay 90 days without regularising your stay within member countries,” Mr Fawole said. “But if you do not do that within that period, then you are liable to be deported.”

Mr Fawole said Ghana’s explanation for deporting Nigerians was tenable, saying citizens must be encouraged to respect existing laws in any country they live.

“It is not a matter to split our hairs about,” Mr Fawole said.

He said Mr Takyi might have visited Nigeria to further explain why such a high number of Nigerians were deported, but not necessarily to plead for Ghanaians who might not be living in Nigeria legally or those found to have contravened the laws of their host country.

“It is okay to remove any misgivings that might exist,” Mr Fawole said. “However, I do not see this escalating into a serious diplomatic crisis between the two countries.”

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/323113-nigerian-ghanaian-officials-hold-crucial-meeting-amidst-deportation-of-each-others-citizens.html

Im yet to see Nigeria mount a legal arguement for why the deportations were illegal. I do agree they shouldn't abuse our citizens being detain. That shouldn't be tolerated by Nigerian government. Everything else is debatable.

“Whenever they deported Nigerians, they usually do so by road, and then dump them at Seme Border, they have done this many times in recent years,” the senior immigration official said. “But when we deported their citizens, we buy tickets for them and put them on the plane back to their country.”

Either we can reciprocate their treatment, negotiate, or stick to status quo.

Interesting

Nigeria is now deporting Ghananians, there are over 500,000 Ghananians living in Nigeria and it was confirmed by their Ambassador himself, but it is better they settle Everything and Nigerians should stop tarnishing Nigeria image outside the country

Another version of Ghana Must Go!!!

Ghana authorities scramble....Ghana came calling on Nigeria ...this raises Nigerian’s status .

Just look at the arrogance of it..

I don’t know how Nigerians generally reason, you think a sovereign nation should allow citizens of another country to enter their country and be commiting crimes like printing money, cyber crimes , blocking streets and fighting authorities ??

Actually it would be in Ghana’s interest to throw out all this Nigerian miscreants and let Nigerians do the same. Ghana should never wait and let this lawless Nigerians come and destroy their country.

Qsscruz:
Truth is bitter..Nigerians are most times nuisance to their host countries..It should even be a shame to our leaders that Ghana is now way above Nigeria and even deporting Nigerians when it was Nigeria that deported her citizens years back..But guess what, these clowns have no shame..I spit on them.

If you read the post you would learn that it is now Nigeria that is deporting Ghananians but I will agree with you that many Nigerians are nuisance outside the country

Ghana wan play with their papa

If we sell all the houses we get for Accra in one day una economy go crash

The question is this: the things Nigerians do in Ghana, would we allow Ghanaians do same in Nigeria?

This is how those in SA started before the authorities started profiling Nigerians as criminals.

LazyGold:


If you read the post you would learn that it is now Nigeria that is deporting Ghananians but I will agree with you that many Nigerians are nuisance outside the country

Bros open ur eyes well nd read

LazyGold:
Nigeria is now deporting Ghananians, there are over 500,000 Ghananians living in Nigeria and it was confirmed by their Ambassador himself, but it is better they settle Everything and Nigerians should stop tarnishing Nigeria image outside the country

Let Nigerian deport Ghanaians and Ghana also deport Nigerians.

I believe it would always be in the interest of Ghana.

By virtue of their lawlessness and criminal tendencies , I’ll prefer Nigerians stay in Nigeria and commit their crimes in Nigeria rather than come to Ghana to destroy the country.

FroshJaynex:
Bros open ur eyes well nd read

Ghananians deported Nigerians in the past but Nigeria just deported 4 Ghananians back to Accra, that's what I read

Ironi:


Let Nigerian deport Ghanaians and Ghana also deport Nigerians.

I believe it would always be in the interest of Ghana.

By virtue of their lawlessness and criminal tendencies , I’ll prefer Nigerians stay in Nigeria and commit their crimes in Nigeria rather than come to Ghana to destroy the country.

Yeah that's also a good idea

Ironi:
Ghana authorities scramble....Ghana came calling on Nigeria ...this raises Nigerian’s status .

Just look at the arrogance of it..

I don’t know how Nigerians generally reason, you think a sovereign nation should allow citizens of another country to enter their country and be commiting crimes like printing money, cyber crimes , blocking streets and fighting authorities ??

Actually it would be in Ghana’s interest to throw out all this Nigerian miscreants and let Nigerians do the same. Ghana should never wait and let this lawless Nigerians come and destroy their country.

Cry all you want but your Ghanaian officials were summoned to Nigeria and they came begging for mercy. They were warned and they apologised.

If you have any issues with that, you can address it with them in Accra.

LazyGold:



Ghananians deported Nigerians in the past but Nigeria just deported 4 Ghananians back to Accra, that's what I read

very good but the reason for main reason for the meeting was to address the issue of the Ghana government deporting large numbers of Nigerians, Leave the past alone nd smell the coffee. Ordinary Ghana don get mind deport Nigerians, all thanks to ur dullard from duara.

FroshJaynex:
very good but the reason for main reason for the meeting was to address the issue of the Ghana government deporting large numbers of Nigerians, Leave the past alone nd smell the coffee. Ordinary Ghana don get mind deport Nigerians, all thanks to ur dullard from duara.

So it was Buhari that instructed Nigerians to go and commit crimes in Ghana? It was Buhari that instructed Nigerians to go and be a Nuisance in Ghana?

All this deportation things sef, two west Africa countries ..nawa o Nigerians don suffer sha imagine been deported from Ghana of all country, chaii toh Nigeria go better we believe


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MrMcJay:


Cry all you want but your Ghanaian officials were summoned to Nigeria and they came begging for mercy. They were warned and they apologised.

If you have any issues with that, you can address it with them in Accra.

Don’t be fooled by the so-called report, what you have read is not the way it’s been reported here.

The author is trying hard to make Nigeria look important but when it comes to immigration governments often have no choice but to act in it’s national interest and when it feels its sovereignty is under attack.

The deportation of Nigerians from Ghana you have seen is just the beginning because throwing Nigerians out of Ghana is just a natural progression of their behaviour.

Ghana would just be forced to throw them out. They come behaving like roaches and you know what we do with pest. You are left with no choice but to squash them.

ECOWAS should be scrapped.
Which 90days is referred in the story
It is 60days

LazyGold:


So it was Buhari that instructed Nigerians to go and commit crimes in Ghana? It was Buhari that instructed Nigerians to go and be a Nuisance in Ghana?

If ur leaders had visions nd plans for u as citizens would you be compelled to travel out to make a living?

FroshJaynex:
If ur leaders had visions nd plans for u as citizens would you be compelled to travel out to make a living?

Does that means there is no legal thing they can do in their host country other than crimes ?

Ironi:


Don’t be fooled by the so-called report, what you have read is not the way it’s been reported here.

The author is trying hard to make Nigeria look important but when it comes to immigration governments often have no choice but to act in it’s national interest and when it feels its sovereignty is under attack.

The deportation of Nigerians from Ghana you have seen is just the beginning because throwing Nigerians out of Ghana is just a natural progression of their behaviour.

Ghana would just be forced to throw them out. They come behaving like roaches and you know what we do with pest. You are left with no choice but to squash them.

Thank you, They know nothing still their hand no dey rest for keypad, am presently in Ghana nd the way police are harnessing and catching Nigerians isn't funny. I was hoping anyone staying in Ghana would drop a post concerning this cos it's getting out of hand. As I speak 11 niggas I know are input their station since 4days now. And the poster is trying to make it look like naija dey important. Very funny reporter

Ironi:


Don’t be fooled by the so-called report, what you have read is not the way it’s been reported here.

The author is trying hard to make Nigeria look important but when it comes to immigration governments often have no choice but to act in it’s national interest and when it feels its sovereignty is under attack.

The deportation of Nigerians from Ghana you have seen is just the beginning because throwing Nigerians out of Ghana is just a natural progression of their behaviour.

Ghana would just be forced to throw them out. They come behaving like roaches and you know what we do with pest. You are left with no choice but to squash them.

I don't support Nigerians committing Crimes in Ghana, but there are over 500,000 Ghananians living in Nigeria and confirmed by Ghana ambassador. If Ghananians take any unnecessary step it will affect the Ghananians living Nigeria

Ghana depends on Nigeria and any attempt to act foolishly we cut their crude and gas supply and leave them in total darkness

The onus is on anyone living legally in a foreign land to abide by the laws of the land and steer clear of criminal activities or face the consequences.

What I can see now is that gone are those days you threat Nigerians anyhow and not face the consequences. It starts from somewhere! Ghana is good to start with.


Nairaland has deteriorated from an high esteemed forum to tribal misconception. Seun you need to sort this out fast, before your forum turns into a weapon of destruction.

I like Ghana but it is high time we deal with them. They hate us. And it is high time we shine eye for them. To the point of if they kill us again, we should severe ties with them and even go to war with them if need be.


I know we have many problems in Nigeria, but i don't see how ghana is helping or trying to help nigeria.


It is also time we make it a curriculum in nigeria's educational system as to educating nigerians of other african countries, african made african histories, and also teaching manners or civic manners in schools. Nigerians have become too arrogant and ignorant and almost entitled to other african countries. In this regard, ghana especially is the matured one, but maiming nigerians, hating nigerians is not the solution and they should try to help us for once, instead of always being happy when we are hopeless and steadily mocking us at every opportunity.

Blue3k:
Im yet to see Nigeria mount a legal arguement for why the deportations were illegal. I do agree they shouldn't abuse our citizens being detain. That shouldn't be tolerated by Nigerian government. Everything else is debatable.



Either we can reciprocate their treatment, negotiate, or stick to status quo.

Definitely reciprocating their treatment is the best way!

Have you been to Ghana? Do you stay in Ghana? What makes you certain that Nigerians are into Illegal activities in Ghana? Are you aware that Nigerians contribute to the Ghanaian economy in a large extent?
Schools, companies, cinemas, malls, businesses ;small and medium, car plants/showrooms, real estate, the list goes on...has Nigerians as it's head even providing jobs for the Ghanaians. Ghana has different languages just like Nigeria but also have a universal language spoken by all of its citizen which lets them discern between their citizens and foreigners( Nigerians) ; If your next door neighbour in Nigeria is Ghanaian, you would never know because there is no such thing as a universal language in Nigeria, with English, he'll pass as a member of any tribe in Nigeria. Most illegal activities in Nigeria are carried out by foreigners , you don't see Nigerian government expelling them. Ghana/ Ghanaians have always had a strong hatred for Nigeria/ Nigerians. In all this deportations saga, it's just been Nigerians at the receiving end, aren't they other foreigners in Ghana? Do you hear of them being deported? Don't stay in your bedroom and conclude Nigerians are into Illegal activities until you've travelled out especially to some African countries and see that Nigerians are legally hardworking and always up to the task in whatever they find themselves doing hence the envy and hatred . Baba travel and see!

LazyGold:


Does that means there is no legal thing they can do in their host country other than crimes ?

Qsscruz:
Truth is bitter..Nigerians are most times nuisance to their host countries..It should even be a shame to our leaders that Ghana is now way above Nigeria and even deporting Nigerians when it was Nigeria that deported her citizens years back..But guess what, these clowns have no shame..I spit on them.

Ghana is above Nigeria...how?

Though I agree with the part that most Nigerians constitute nuisance abroad.

So Ghana is now strong enough to see Nigerians as messed up peoples when all there peoples are here in Nigeria just living like animals. They are not even ashamed of themselves to start taking bath by the road side, those people that has no any iota of shame.