Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government is actively engaging with Nigerian authorities to de-escalate recent tensions sparked by rumours of an alleged plan to establish an “Igbo Kingdom” or Kingdom in Ningo Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region.
The controversy emerged following widespread speculation that about 50 acres of land — roughly 250 plots — were being earmarked for the purpose.
The claim has ignited public concern and provoked heated debates on social media and in local communities.
However, the leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana, Eze Jude Chukwudi Ihenetu, has categorically denied any such plans, dismissing the rumours as baseless and misleading.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with a Nigerian delegation in Accra on Wednesday, July 30, Okudzeto Ablakwa, the foreign affairs minister, said the government is committed to preventing any fallout that could threaten peace and relations between the two countries.
“You recall the Ghana Must Go in 1983, where over a million Ghanaians were forced out of Nigeria,” he said.
“We are conscious of that history, which should guide all of us. If these issues are not managed well, they could take us back to some dark occurrences in our past. That is why we have been demonstrating a lot of maturity and asking that we douse the flames and show compassion.”
He stressed the importance of dialogue and historical awareness, adding, “We should also remember that we are one people.”
Mr. Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding ties with Nigeria, calling on both citizens and leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and focus on mutual respect and cooperation.
Igbo Leader in Ghana denies plans to establish ‘Igbo Village’