Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has clarified that the government of Ghana has no intentions of deporting law-abiding Nigerians living in Ghana back to their home country.

His clarification follows a tension and criticism sparked by a resurfaced video involving Eze Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, a Nigerian said to be parading himself as King of the Igbos in Ghana, who expressed a desire to establish a 50-acre Igbo village.

Speaking at a meeting with a Nigerian delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Okujwu, on July 30, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa called for calm while emphasizing that Ghana and Nigeria have since maintained a long-lasting relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared interests.

“As we have agreed, the video that went viral, which incensed Ghanaians legitimately—we were all outraged when we saw that video. That video has been condemned by our counterparts from Nigeria. They have reprimanded the gentleman. He has been asked not to engage in such statements and such commentary,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa added that, “I had met him earlier, and he was very contrite in the meeting, he has apologized. He’s issued a public statement apologizing to President Mahama, to the government and people of Ghana. Fellow Ghanaians, let’s also remember that Nigeria is one of the places where we have a lot of Ghanaians living in that country. A lot of Ghanaians. 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.”

The sector minister stated that the government of Ghana will continue to ensure that the country is peaceful and further urged all nationals and non-nationals to be law-abiding. He added that the establishment of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) should enable Africans to work together, create more employment, and transform the continent.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Okujwu, commended Ghana for the role it continues to play in the sub-region and on the continent and further acknowledged the vital role Ghana and Nigeria continue to play in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Commenting on the viral video that caused tensions, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Okujwu condemned the incendiary comments and urged nationals of her country to avoid comments that have the potential of causing tension. She commended the President of Ghana and the traditional authorities for their commitment to peace, continued coexistence between Nigerians and Ghanaians, and the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

She also recalled the historical ties between the two countries and called for the reactivation of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) to further deepen the relations between the two countries.

Mid-July, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa informed the public that there is no cause for alarm over the reported plan for the creation of a 50-acre Igbo village in Old Ningo after the video in question left the X platform in a frenzy, with some Ghanaians slamming past governments for allowing a Nigerian to earn such vast land in a foreign land and Nigerians cautioning against allowing ‘Igbos’ to establish such a community in Ghana.

On the matter, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, stated that “no ‘king’ has any kingdom or land in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.” “Disregard any such claims. The ancient Great Ningo kingdom is welcoming to all who visit us, but none are welcome to lay claim to a kingdom here. Rest assured, we are a hospitable people, but our hospitality cannot be taken for granted. Let calm prevail,” he assured.

The controversy prompted Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa to engage Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu at his office in Accra on Wednesday, July 16. Following the meeting, the sector minister clarified that the recently surfaced video is actually an old video dating as far back as 2013.

According to Mr Abkakwa, Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu has “long abandoned” the idea of creating an Igbo Village in the country, which he deeply regrets, “and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose.” Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu apologised to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, chiefs, and people of Ghana for the “unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created.”

Consequently, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa called for restraint while highlighting “the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria.” The Foreign Minister has emphasised that despite Ghana’s friendly foreign policy, particularly a commitment to promote the Pan-African identity, it expects an adherence to the country's cultural norms and laws.

He cautioned all foreign nationals to desist “from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive, and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.” “Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy, which is welcoming to all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity, for which we have attained global renown,” the minister added.

On the matter, the Ga Traditional Council dissociated itself from all activities related to Dr. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu following a crunch meeting held by the council and headed by the president, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II—Ga Mantse. The Council, in a five-item statement dated July 9, stated that it has not conferred any kingship title on any individual, mandating him as King of Igbos in the Ga State.