Ghana must go the untold story of 1983 exodus

A very timely and important topic!

"Ghana Must Go" refers to the mass expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria in 1983, which was a significant event in the history of both countries. Here's a brief overview of the untold story:

Background

In the early 1980s, Nigeria was facing economic difficulties, including high inflation, unemployment, and a severe shortage of foreign exchange. The government, led by General Muhammadu Buhari, was looking for ways to address these issues. One of the measures taken was to expel foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, who were perceived as taking jobs and resources away from Nigerians.

The Expulsion

On May 6, 1983, the Nigerian government announced that all Ghanaians living in Nigeria had 48 hours to leave the country. The expulsion was sudden and unexpected, leaving many Ghanaians stranded and without access to their belongings or financial resources. The Nigerian government claimed that the Ghanaians were taking jobs and resources away from Nigerians, and that their presence was a threat to national security.

The Exodus

The expulsion led to a massive exodus of Ghanaians from Nigeria. It's estimated that over 80,000 Ghanaians were affected, with many losing their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The exodus was chaotic, with many Ghanaians forced to flee without their belongings or financial resources. The Ghanaian government was caught off guard and struggled to provide assistance to its citizens.

The Impact

The "Ghana Must Go" expulsion had significant economic and social impacts on both Ghana and Nigeria. In Ghana, the sudden influx of returnees put a strain on the country's resources, including housing, healthcare, and education. Many Ghanaians who had been living in Nigeria for years were forced to start anew, often with limited resources.

In Nigeria, the expulsion was seen as a blow to the country's international relations, particularly with Ghana. The event also highlighted the challenges faced by African countries in addressing economic and social issues, including migration and xenophobia.

The Legacy

The "Ghana Must Go" expulsion remains a significant event in the history of both Ghana and Nigeria. It highlights the challenges faced by African countries in addressing economic and social issues, including migration and xenophobia. The event also underscores the importance of regional cooperation and diplomacy in addressing these challenges.

In recent years, there have been efforts to commemorate the event and provide support to the victims of the expulsion. In 2013, the Ghanaian government launched a commemorative program to mark the 30th anniversary of the event, which included a ceremony to honor the victims and a donation of $10,000 to each of the affected families.

Overall, the "Ghana Must Go" expulsion is an important reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by African countries in addressing economic and social issues, and the importance of regional cooperation and diplomacy in addressing these challenges.