The All Nigeria Community in Ghana (ANC) has issued a strong condemnation of recent comments made by Ghanaian politician Mr. Hassan Ayariga, describing them as “reckless, divisive, and dangerously provocative.”
In an official statement released on Monday, ANC President Chief Bayo Albert Aseolu criticized Ayariga’s remarks targeting the Eze Igbo traditional institution in Ghana, calling them “an affront to the longstanding cultural harmony between Nigerians and Ghanaians.”
Mr. Ayariga had questioned the legitimacy of the Eze Igbo title in Ghana and suggested it posed a threat to national sovereignty. In response, the ANC emphasized that the institution is purely cultural and non-political.
“The Eze Igbo title is a deeply respected traditional institution among the Igbo diaspora. It exists to promote unity, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence—not to challenge Ghanaian authority,” the ANC stated.
The community further warned that such rhetoric could incite ethnic tensions and undermine the historically strong relationship between the two West African nations.
Key Points from the ANC Statement:
The Eze Igbo title is cultural, not political:
The Eze Igbo serves as a community leader and conflict mediator among Nigerians in Ghana, fostering charity, unity, and peaceful integration—not political rivalry.
Ghana-Nigeria relations are rooted in brotherhood: The ANC highlighted the mutual economic and cultural ties between the two nations and cautioned against comments that could destabilize this partnership.
Condemnation of xenophobia and hate speech:
The Nigerian community urged the Ghanaian government, civil society, and the public to reject all forms of scapegoating and inflammatory rhetoric against foreign nationals.
Call for retraction and apology:
The ANC demanded that Mr. Ayariga publicly withdraw his statements and apologize to the Nigerian community in Ghana, particularly the Igbo people, for what it described as “disrespectful remarks.”
A Call for Unity
Chief Aseolu reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to peace, respect for Ghanaian laws, and continued cooperation between the two nations.
“Nigeria and Ghana are bound by history, trade, and shared values. We will not tolerate attempts to vilify or delegitimize our cultural institutions,” the statement concluded.
The All Nigeria Community in Ghana urged all well-meaning individuals to reject divisive rhetoric and instead work toward strengthening the bonds of unity and mutual respect between Nigerians and Ghanaians.
