Dr. Okey James Ezugwu | File Image
ARRA: The wave of attacks and intimidation threatens not only the security of Nigerians in Ghana but also undermines the principles of regional integration, human dignity, and the rule of law across West Africa
By Valentine Amanze
The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation aka Asylum And Refugee Rights Advocacy (ARRA) has condemned protests, looting, and destruction of Nigerian businesses in Ghana, describing the incidents as violations of fundamental human rights and a breach of both national and international legal protections.
It pointed out that all countries have a binding duty to uphold the rights of immigrants within their territories in line with constitutional guarantees, international treaties, and regional agreements.
In a statement signed by Dr. Okey James Ezugwu, legal practitioner, Assistant Comptroller General of immigration Service (rtd) and Founder and the executive director of ARRA, the organisation warned that the wave of attacks and intimidation threatens not only the security of Nigerians in Ghana but also undermines the principles of regional integration, human dignity, and the rule of law across West Africa.
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ARRA stated: “What we are witnessing in Ghana is a disturbing pattern of xenophobic aggression, economic intimidation, and deliberate destruction of livelihoods — acts that have no place in a modern, law-governed society.
“Immigrants, regardless of nationality, are entitled to protection under the host country’s constitution, as well as international instruments to which Ghana is a signatory.”
ARRA also stated that under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, all persons within its territory enjoy the right to life, personal security, property, equality before the law, and freedom from discrimination.
Besides, the foundation stressed that the recent mob actions — including looting and destruction of shops owned by Nigerians — constitute unlawful deprivation of property, targeted discrimination, and violations of due process.
It further disclosed that Nigerian immigrants in Ghana are protected under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, which guarantees the rights of ECOWAS citizens to enter, reside, and establish businesses in member-states without fear of arbitrary expulsion, harassment, or collective punishment.
“These protections are reinforced by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which upholds property rights, non-discrimination, and security of person.
“It is irrelevant whether some individuals are accused of unlawful conduct — such matters must be handled through lawful arrest, fair trial, and due process, not mob justice or collective reprisals.
“Failure to prevent, investigate, and punish such acts of violence not only emboldens perpetrators but also exposes the state to international responsibility,” it stated.
ARRA, however, called on the Government of Ghana to take immediate, visible, and decisive action to:
1. Prevent further attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses and residences.
2. Prosecute perpetrators of looting and violence.
3. Compensate victims for the loss of property and livelihoods.
4. Uphold ECOWAS treaty obligations in good faith.
The non-governmental organisation also urged the government of Nigeria to step up diplomatic engagement, provide legal assistance and emergency relief to affected citizens, and strengthen mechanisms for rapid response to threats against Nigerians abroad.
ARRA further appealed to African Union leaders, ECOWAS authorities, and the United Nations system to closely monitor the situation in Ghana and to offer technical and policy support to both countries in addressing the root causes of anti-immigrant sentiment.
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