Nigerians all they did was to bring drugs to South Africa,stop going on as if you brought any thing substantial to South Africa all you did was to introduced South Africans to Drugs and churches…
Ghana Must Go: Containing The Mayhem of Migration Economy
It is chequered. It is sturdy. It is used worldwide. There is some contention as to whether it can be deemed highly fashionable, but it gains some cool points for being waterproof and available in more than one set of colours. For many, it merely serves the primary function which most bags serve – to carry items which may be in large quantities or of large weight especially when travelling. In parts of West Africa, it is known as the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag.
It is not an ordinary chequered plastic bag but one made of historical and political fabric. This famous ‘migrant bag’ played a significant role in West African history. It was used by several West African citizens, especially Ghanaians, to contain their belongings as they were forced to leave Nigeria during the 1980s — an episode worthy of unrelenting recognition and enduring space in the history books.
A RESTLESS JOURNEY It began in the early months of 1983 when Shehu Shagari — the Nigerian president at the time — ordered the tragic expulsion of several citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)1. Many of them had entered Nigeria as economic migrants during the 1970s without official immigration documents. In the case of Ghanaians, both skilled and unskilled migrants were pushed by the unbearable economic conditions in Ghana to seek refuge in Nigeria, which was widely known as West Africa’s economic utopia at the time.2 Being an Oil-rich country, Nigeria had been enjoying the benefits of elevated Oil prices during the 1970s. With the Oil boom came a growth in job opportunities, especially in the services and construction sectors. The notable increase in job opportunities in Nigeria, as well as the existing similarities between the Ghanaian and Nigerian administrative systems3, appealed to Ghanaians; prompting their relocation to Nigeria in search of better lives. Upon relocating to Nigeria, the Ghanaians worked in different industries: as labourers, traders, artisans, teachers, architects, lawyers and doctors.4 The economic success which befell Nigeria was, however, short-lived due to Oil prices plummeting in 1982; therefore causing socioeconomic hardships in Nigeria. The highly populous nation began hurting from austerity measures imposed in the hope of stabilising the economy, as urban employment fell5 drastically, and food shortages became severe. It was then generally believed that the influx of people from neighbouring West African countries instigated the deterioration of economic and social conditions in Nigeria.
THE SCAPEGOATS The blame game, however, only advanced with the help of Nigerian public officials who exploited the presence of immigrants, and further projected it as the cause of economic decline in Nigeria. With the impending presidential election of August 19836, Nigerian leaders were determined to scapegoat immigrants in an attempt to mask other overpowering causes of Nigeria’s economic failure, including the mismanagement of Oil revenue, corruption as well as high volumes of short term debt and the ‘cement armada’ scheme. The immigrants were given two weeks to leave Nigeria, lest they be arrested and tried; leading to the exodus of over 2 million immigrants from neighbouring countries. In the process of this displacement, Nigerian police physically harmed immigrants – beating and gassing them, in the hope that they would depart immediately. Many who departed Nigeria were, however, denied entry into other countries – such as Benin Republic – which were also reluctant to deal with an influx of immigrants. As a result, expelled immigrants were forced to camp in the middle of the borders of Nigeria and Benin, uncertain as to whether they would reach a place they could once again call home. While some Ghanaians were lucky enough to depart Nigeria by air through assistance from the Ghanaian government8, others were not fortunate enough to step on Ghanaian soil again as they drowned9 in severely crowded boats, travelling by sea.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE Interestingly, the expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria in the 1980s could be considered as a punch in the face of the Ghanaian government, in retaliation for expelling Nigerian immigrants in 196910. In November that year, Kofi Abrefa Busia – the-then Prime Minister of Ghana – demanded an expulsion of Nigerian migrants for reasons including economic concerns and xenophobia11. While some may deem this irrational, it is, however, difficult to overlook the plausibility of this theory. This is because several global political events that have occurred recently have shown that politics can be personal, as well as manifest as a game of passions. As we know, experiencing passions can be temporary, yet they often drive actions which may yield enduring results. It can thus not be said with complete certainty whether the wounds felt by both Ghanaians and Nigerians have fully healed; though relations between the two countries have grown, albeit cautiously, in the decades since both cases of expulsion occurred.
POWER AND IDENTITY POLITICS Undoubtedly, economic factors play a significant role in the dynamics of immigration – be it in enabling migrants access or denying them access – it is not extreme to argue that the displacement of people which stems from unfair immigration policies also boils down to an obsession with national identity12 and, perhaps, the promotion of unequal (power) relations between people from different identity groups. Like most things in the political world, immigration policies can be shaped by unequal power relations. Referring to Michel Foucault, power can be dual in nature – consisting mainly of juridical and productive elements13. What this means is that immigration laws that enable the prohibition of migrants from entering another nation-state are essentially a manifestation of juridical power being exercised. With the productive aspect of power, it can be argued that through unfavourable immigration laws passed, immigrants are also forced to live with constructed and flawed identities – to which they are subjected. In other words, immigrants are forced to adopt the identity of aliens, unwanted creatures, or burdens. In the case of Ghanaian immigrants in Nigeria, many of them would have had to deal with the painful detachment from friends they made in what they probably imagined as their new home, as well as the flawed and fabricated image of themselves as aliens or ‘economic leeches’. Involuntary relocation is therefore even more difficult to manage alongside the psychological trauma from viewing one’s self as an outsider or a burden. While identity politics can invoke benefits such as providing people with the opportunity to understand the significance of exercising mutual recognition, it can also be manipulated to produce negative outcomes like xenophobia and the maltreatment of people from different identity groups. Though not as severe as recurrent cases in countries like South Africa, the expulsion of Ghanaians in the 1980s, as with recent happenings, continue to represent a failed intra-African migration.
THE INEVITABILITY OF MIGRATION Beyond the sub-region of West Africa, members of the global community continue to endure extended periods of extreme political instability, as well as economic and environmental uncertainty. History tells us that when people find themselves in a place where peace, love and prosperity do not reside, they succumb to the pressures of migration – an inevitable phenomenon which we must learn to accept and manage more effectively and equally. It is important for leaders, not just in Africa, but also across the globe, to govern in a manner that prevents forceful relocation, and the ‘othering’ of people of different nationalities. As some migrants continue to use the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag in the hope of finding a place of permanent residence, today, they still face barriers. Too often, the hopes and dreams of migrants have soared only to crash into fabricated fortifications. Yet, as Alberto Rios writes in The Border: A Double Sonnet, “the border is mighty, but even the parting of the seas created a path, not a barrier.” And so, in a world shaped by dire uncertainty and constant mobility, one can only hope that there will be more paths created to prevent unwarranted exile and displacement.
Now that your people are back in your country, can your government please help them instead of complaining about South Africa. SA government has been giving free medical treatment for your citizens for years now do the same for your own. All those that are adding value to SA they can stay on peace.
The problem is, S.Africans classify themselves as South Africans not as Africans, so we need to get that right. You might have seen that by now, not unless you are stubborn. S.Africans are not your brothers so stop calling them brothers.
My brother's and sisters you are welcome from that animal country but first of all thank God you are back home because no matter what ever home is home and for our government promise to you people I advise you to carry your bag and go back to your different home to know what nest to plan for Life because 2004 I was deported from Morocco during Obasanjo regime so what Nigeria government gave to us was 4000 naira so tell me how would you fell like collecting this fucking coins.
Did you hear about how much money is our government gonna give that family of taxi driver who was killed by Nigerians mmh . I'm sorry guys u only get MTN SIM card and airtime wow 😂😂😂
Nigeria's who were destroying the youth of South Africa in the name of Money were supposed to face this not all Nigeria's are Evil but what shall we say "One Man Sin can cause a big Problem to Many like Adam after He sinned God has to punish also the Ground , so is time to look unto the Creator
Pastors and others being out your private jets this is the time you show your patriotism.
Nigerians all they did was to bring drugs to South Africa,stop going on as if you brought any thing substantial to South Africa all you did was to introduced South Africans to Drugs and churches…
If you notice this boy/girl
Gather here let's cry together
Lol aibo
Ghana Must Go: Containing The Mayhem of Migration
Economy
It is chequered. It is sturdy. It is used worldwide. There is some contention as to whether it can be deemed highly fashionable, but it gains some cool points for being waterproof and available in more than one set of colours. For many, it merely serves the primary function which most bags serve – to carry items which may be in large quantities or of large weight especially when travelling. In parts of West Africa, it is known as the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag.
It is not an ordinary chequered plastic bag but one made of historical and political fabric. This famous ‘migrant bag’ played a significant role in West African history. It was used by several West African citizens, especially Ghanaians, to contain their belongings as they were forced to leave Nigeria during the 1980s — an episode worthy of unrelenting recognition and enduring space in the history books.
A RESTLESS JOURNEY
It began in the early months of 1983 when Shehu Shagari — the Nigerian president at the time — ordered the tragic expulsion of several citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)1. Many of them had entered Nigeria as economic migrants during the 1970s without official immigration documents. In the case of Ghanaians, both skilled and unskilled migrants were pushed by the unbearable economic conditions in Ghana to seek refuge in Nigeria, which was widely known as West Africa’s economic utopia at the time.2
Being an Oil-rich country, Nigeria had been enjoying the benefits of elevated Oil prices during the 1970s. With the Oil boom came a growth in job opportunities, especially in the services and construction sectors. The notable increase in job opportunities in Nigeria, as well as the existing similarities between the Ghanaian and Nigerian administrative systems3, appealed to Ghanaians; prompting their relocation to Nigeria in search of better lives. Upon relocating to Nigeria, the Ghanaians worked in different industries: as labourers, traders, artisans, teachers, architects, lawyers and doctors.4
The economic success which befell Nigeria was, however, short-lived due to Oil prices plummeting in 1982; therefore causing socioeconomic hardships in Nigeria. The highly populous nation began hurting from austerity measures imposed in the hope of stabilising the economy, as urban employment fell5 drastically, and food shortages became severe. It was then generally believed that the influx of people from neighbouring West African countries instigated the deterioration of economic and social conditions in Nigeria.
THE SCAPEGOATS
The blame game, however, only advanced with the help of Nigerian public officials who exploited the presence of immigrants, and further projected it as the cause of economic decline in Nigeria. With the impending presidential election of August 19836, Nigerian leaders were determined to scapegoat immigrants in an attempt to mask other overpowering causes of Nigeria’s economic failure, including the mismanagement of Oil revenue, corruption as well as high volumes of short term debt and the ‘cement armada’ scheme.
The immigrants were given two weeks to leave Nigeria, lest they be arrested and tried; leading to the exodus of over 2 million immigrants from neighbouring countries. In the process of this displacement, Nigerian police physically harmed immigrants – beating and gassing them, in the hope that they would depart immediately. Many who departed Nigeria were, however, denied entry into other countries – such as Benin Republic – which were also reluctant to deal with an influx of immigrants.
As a result, expelled immigrants were forced to camp in the middle of the borders of Nigeria and Benin, uncertain as to whether they would reach a place they could once again call home. While some Ghanaians were lucky enough to depart Nigeria by air through assistance from the Ghanaian government8, others were not fortunate enough to step on Ghanaian soil again as they drowned9 in severely crowded boats, travelling by sea.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE
Interestingly, the expulsion of Ghanaians from Nigeria in the 1980s could be considered as a punch in the face of the Ghanaian government, in retaliation for expelling Nigerian immigrants in 196910. In November that year, Kofi Abrefa Busia – the-then Prime Minister of Ghana – demanded an expulsion of Nigerian migrants for reasons including economic concerns and xenophobia11. While some may deem this irrational, it is, however, difficult to overlook the plausibility of this theory.
This is because several global political events that have occurred recently have shown that politics can be personal, as well as manifest as a game of passions. As we know, experiencing passions can be temporary, yet they often drive actions which may yield enduring results. It can thus not be said with complete certainty whether the wounds felt by both Ghanaians and Nigerians have fully healed; though relations between the two countries have grown, albeit cautiously, in the decades since both cases of expulsion occurred.
POWER AND IDENTITY POLITICS
Undoubtedly, economic factors play a significant role in the dynamics of immigration – be it in enabling migrants access or denying them access – it is not extreme to argue that the displacement of people which stems from unfair immigration policies also boils down to an obsession with national identity12 and, perhaps, the promotion of unequal (power) relations between people from different identity groups. Like most things in the political world, immigration policies can be shaped by unequal power relations.
Referring to Michel Foucault, power can be dual in nature – consisting mainly of juridical and productive elements13. What this means is that immigration laws that enable the prohibition of migrants from entering another nation-state are essentially a manifestation of juridical power being exercised. With the productive aspect of power, it can be argued that through unfavourable immigration laws passed, immigrants are also forced to live with constructed and flawed identities – to which they are subjected.
In other words, immigrants are forced to adopt the identity of aliens, unwanted creatures, or burdens. In the case of Ghanaian immigrants in Nigeria, many of them would have had to deal with the painful detachment from friends they made in what they probably imagined as their new home, as well as the flawed and fabricated image of themselves as aliens or ‘economic leeches’. Involuntary relocation is therefore even more difficult to manage alongside the psychological trauma from viewing one’s self as an outsider or a burden.
While identity politics can invoke benefits such as providing people with the opportunity to understand the significance of exercising mutual recognition, it can also be manipulated to produce negative outcomes like xenophobia and the maltreatment of people from different identity groups. Though not as severe as recurrent cases in countries like South Africa, the expulsion of Ghanaians in the 1980s, as with recent happenings, continue to represent a failed intra-African migration.
THE INEVITABILITY OF MIGRATION
Beyond the sub-region of West Africa, members of the global community continue to endure extended periods of extreme political instability, as well as economic and environmental uncertainty. History tells us that when people find themselves in a place where peace, love and prosperity do not reside, they succumb to the pressures of migration – an inevitable phenomenon which we must learn to accept and manage more effectively and equally. It is important for leaders, not just in Africa, but also across the globe, to govern in a manner that prevents forceful relocation, and the ‘othering’ of people of different nationalities.
As some migrants continue to use the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag in the hope of finding a place of permanent residence, today, they still face barriers. Too often, the hopes and dreams of migrants have soared only to crash into fabricated fortifications. Yet, as Alberto Rios writes in The Border: A Double Sonnet, “the border is mighty, but even the parting of the seas created a path, not a barrier.” And so, in a world shaped by dire uncertainty and constant mobility, one can only hope that there will be more paths created to prevent unwarranted exile and displacement.
We all know that the government will not help this people. And it's very sad😭..
This is sad …God will help you my brothers and sisters He will provide for you all you need.You are free in your own land .Amen
Now that your people are back in your country, can your government please help them instead of complaining about South Africa. SA government has been giving free medical treatment for your citizens for years now do the same for your own. All those that are adding value to SA they can stay on peace.
The problem is, S.Africans classify themselves as South Africans not as Africans, so we need to get that right.
You might have seen that by now, not unless you are stubborn.
S.Africans are not your brothers so stop calling them brothers.
I'm making it here in south Africa without doing bad things.
I want to hear how SA will become in two years after sending others out of their country
Please Nigerians try makes living in your own country
All south African are naturally xenophobic. I was there for 10 years.
My brother's and sisters you are welcome from that animal country but first of all thank God you are back home because no matter what ever home is home and for our government promise to you people I advise you to carry your bag and go back to your different home to know what nest to plan for Life because 2004 I was deported from Morocco during Obasanjo regime so what Nigeria government gave to us was 4000 naira so tell me how would you fell like collecting this fucking coins.
AFRICANS, STOP DS NONESENSE BTWN OURSELVES, WATCH CHARIS MISSIONARY CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 11 SEPTEMBER A HEAR WHT THE DEVIL IS SAYING ABOUT DS.
nigerian people they tuk advantage of us south african.thats y they come here an do shit in our peaceful land.
they think they can come here an do whatever they which to do.nooooo we cant tolarate that as south africans.
they want to paralised future of south africa so that they can take over.it wont heppen never.
You will be fine my brothers and sisters,
Did you hear about how much money is our government gonna give that family of taxi driver who was killed by Nigerians mmh . I'm sorry guys u only get MTN SIM card and airtime wow 😂😂😂
Goernemnt? or an individual's mercy? Buhari? or an Igbo man? Why are you guys lying to the world?
Fuc u all SA u guy should call all the so call SA to come home before is late u fukers
Le Nigérian est un pays tres riche et où est cette richesse???!
At least Nigerian's government is trying…
I'm very surprised how people spread liar about South Africa Nigeria need to control their birth serious
black people are cursed everywhere,nothing new here.
Nigeria you are great and you can make better in your own country just fight for peace and
You blame south Africa for your bad behaviour and we welcome you but stop your drugs because we gone burn you.
What we do to others will be done to us. Have we gotten Ghana must go??, We should not complain.
Nigeria's who were destroying the youth of South Africa in the name of Money were supposed to face this not all Nigeria's are Evil but what shall we say "One Man Sin can cause a big Problem to Many like Adam after He sinned God has to punish also the Ground , so is time to look unto the Creator
SHAME ON SA, BIG SHAME.
Im Proud 9ja as it is right now.
Only 187 innocent Nigerians left. The undocumented criminals and drug dealers are here. Listen to this guy 1:57
Guys know that some of nagerian they no longer like their country some they stay in South Africa for good an they don't care with their families
Am proud of those who are going home God bless you
187 that's not even half come get some more please. the drug dealers more especially
why are they acting as if crime was only directed toward them.
2:39 😂😂😂lies. who does that??? All these people are spreading lies about South Africa💔
It's almost a year now, l hope these people are happy where they are, we good and our economy is still standing
Nah I am happy, thanks 4 going. Thou must not return, u must b happy to b back home and leave our Country be. Fix ur own land
I don't care…you people spreading lies about our country
you can say what ever you want to say but you are drug dealers and criminals they must go back home