A section of Ghanaians especially social media users has expressed outrage and concern over recent threats made by Ghanaian politician Hassan Ayariga against the Igbo leader in Ghana, questioning why the government and security agencies have remained silent on the matter.
According to reports, Ayariga allegedly issued an ultimatum demanding that the Igbo leader leave Ghana by the 17th of October, warning that he would personally lead Ghanaian youth to attack the leader and his family on the 18th if his demand was not met.
Ghanaians have described Ayariga’s statements as xenophobic and criminal, demanding his immediate arrest and investigation. Ghanaian citizens on social media and radio discussions have question whether Ayariga is “above the law,” given that no official action has yet been taken against him.
“If a similar ultimatum were issued against a Ghanaian living in Nigeria, how would Ghana react?” one social media user asked, emphasizing the potential diplomatic tension such remarks could cause between the two West African nations.
This they are calling on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves, warning that Ayariga’s comments amount to an attempt to incite violence and xenophobia.
They further criticized the government’s silence, describing it as dangerous. “Keeping quiet while an individual threatens to mobilize youth for an attack in the name of ‘citizen arrest’ could trigger a major conflict,” another concerned Ghanaian stated.
Some citizens also condemned Ghanaian journalist Kweku Anan for allegedly amplifying Ayariga’s rhetoric, describing his conduct as “a threat to national peace.”
The public is calling on the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Attorney-General’s Department to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that the rule of law is upheld, regardless of one’s political or social status.
“Ghana has long been known as a peaceful and hospitable country,” a statement from a social media user. “Allowing xenophobic acts to go unchecked tarnishes that reputation and endangers our regional relations.”
