Poor Conduct by Some Nigerians in Ghana Led to Nigeria Must Go” Protests, Says Joe Keshi

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has attributed the recent “Nigeria Must Go” protests in Accra to the alleged misconduct of some Nigerians residing in Ghana.

He said their failure to respect local laws and customs may have provoked resentment among members of the host community.

Speaking amid rising tension between Nigerians and their Ghanaian hosts, Keshi stated that certain Nigerian traders in Ghana have been found violating the country’s investment regulations while also displaying extravagant lifestyles.

According to him, such behavior can easily incite frustration, particularly when local traders feel economically displaced.

“You have displaced Ghanaians running businesses on the streets, and yet you flaunt your wealth. If you are in Rome, you should behave like a Roman,” Keshi remarked. “Nigerians need to learn to conduct themselves appropriately wherever they are because you can’t go to the United States and behave like this.”

The former envoy called for proactive intervention by Nigerian leaders and diaspora associations, urging them to sensitize citizens abroad on the importance of responsible and respectful conduct in their host countries.

While condemning any unlawful behaviour by Nigerians abroad, Keshi also appealed for restraint from the Ghanaian public. He stressed that the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and Ghana should serve as a bridge for peace rather than a trigger for conflict.

“There is no need for overreaction,” Keshi said. “We must not allow isolated actions by a few individuals to destroy the brotherly relationship that has existed between both nations for decades.”

The protests in Accra, dubbed “Nigeria Must Go,” have sparked debate across social and diplomatic circles in West Africa, raising concerns over xenophobia, trade friction, and immigration policy enforcement.