Ghana Must Go

In 1983 in Nigeria when Shehu Shagari was the President of Nigeria, an executive order was given to immigrants without proper immigration documents to leave the country or they would be arrested according to the law. Most of the immigrants were West Africans and mainly Ghanaians. Over 2 million men, women and children were affected by this news and decision of then President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari.[1]

The major route to Ghana was through the West passing through Benin Republic and Togo.

Over 1 Million Ghanaians were affected by the order by President Shagari. Almost all the Ghanaians were attracted to Nigeria because of the Oil market of the 70's, but in 1983 when the "Ghana Must Go" revolution started, the economy had weakened and was fast falling apart. It was also the election year during that time. If it can be recalled that Ghana also expelled Nigerians from it's country in 1969 only for Nigeria to carry out its own expulsion but in a mass number.

Once the migrants got to Benin, the way out was limited. Those who had already made it to Benin were stuck in the port of Cotonou with hopes of getting a boat to Ghana. The problem they experienced didn't end there, earlier that period in 1979 following an attempted coup by Jerry Rawlings, Ghana's president had close the main land route crossing with Togo so to avoid sudden arrival of over 1 Million people, Togo then shut its borders with Benin.

The immigrants were stranded for weeks, thereafter Ghanaian authority open their borders causing Togo to also open its borders for people to have access.

Relationship between Nigeria and Ghana has since been strengthened. The migration was then named "Ghana Must Go".[2][3]

References

  1. ↑ M.Solomonov. "Ghana Must Go: Exodus From Nigeria Remembered". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
  2. ↑ "Quiet Time: Authors To Add To Your African Reading List - Africa.com". www.africa.com. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
  3. ↑ "Ghanaians love to visit these 5 Places in Nigeria | News Ghana". News Ghana. 2017-05-11. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
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