GhPageNewsGhana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians… – Advertisement -This is the story of why, in February 1983, over a million Ghanaians were asked to leave Nigeria and come back to Ghana, resulting in the popularization of the “Ghana Must Go” mantra. How It Began
Ghana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians from Nigeria in February 1983Three million Nigerians and other African and non-African immigrants were asked to leave Ghana under the “Ghana Aliens Compliance Order” law enacted by Ghana’s Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia in 1969, despite accounting for 20% of the country’s population at the time. In January 1983, President Shehu Shagari issued an executive order expelling two million undocumented West African migrants, more than half of whom were Ghanaians. The order was allegedly issued in a reaction to religious riots that engulfed parts of the country in 1980 (the Kano Riots) and 1981. What Triggered The Deportation
Ghana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians from Nigeria in February 1983These West African immigrants had been drawn to Nigeria by the oil boom of the 1970s, but by 1983, the economy had weakened and it was election season. Nigerian politicians hoped that the expulsion will be well received. Across Nigeria, up to two million migrants were warned that if they did not comply, they would face arrest, prosecution, and forced deportation. How Ghanaians Were Deported From Nigeria
Ghana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians from Nigeria in February 1983They crammed everything they could in to trucks, cars, pick-up trucks, and taxis and tried to flee the country at the earliest opportunity. The main route to Ghana was westward, via Benin and Togo. Following an attempted coup the previous year, President Jerry John Rawlings closed Ghana’s mainland border (Aflao) with Togo, and Togo then closed its borders with Benin to avoid an abrupt influx of returnees. Consequently, once the returnees arrived in Benin, their options were limited, and they were forced to stay in the port of Cotonou, hoping to find a boat to Ghana. Tens of thousands of refugees, mostly Ghanaians, gathered at the border between Benin and Togo, two small African countries. The road back once again to Ghana had come to a halt, hopelessly clogged with vehicles and a swarm of refugees, while the border remained closed for the time being. Ghana’s government had legitimate concerns that the country, with a population of around 12 million people at the time, will be unable to handle such an influx. Its economy was already in a state of disarray during the time. Food was scarce. There have been bushfires and a severe drought. Life After Deportation; How The Returnees Restarted Life
Ghana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians from Nigeria in February 1983After more than a week to be stranded, with many running out of money and going hungry, Ghana reopened its borders, prompting Togo to do the same, allowing Ghanaians to return home. How Ghana Must Go Bags Came into being
Ghana Must Go: The Untold Story Behind the Mass Deportation of Ghanaians from Nigeria in February 1983During the migrants’ come back to Ghana, a type of large low priced matted woven nylon chequered bag used to transport their belongings was dubbed “Ghana Must Go. ”The bags are still very popular in Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries today. Ghana and Nigeria’s relationship has improved over the years. Get Ghana Latest News in your inbox each morning. Subscribe
