But how did this common bag get its name Ghana Must Go” ?
Under the “Ghana Aliens Compliance Order” law enacted by Ghana’s Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia in 1969, three million Nigerians and other African and non-African immigrants were asked to leave Ghana as they made up 20% of the country’s population at the time.
On January 1983, President Shehu Shagari issued an executive order that expelled two million undocumented West African migrants, more than half of whom were from Ghana.
These West African immigrants had been attracted to Nigeria because of the 1970s oil boom, but by 1983 the economy had weakened, and it was an election year.
The Nigerian politicians hoped the expulsion would prove popular.Across Nigeria, up to two million migrants heard the warnings of arrest, prosecution and forced deportation if they didn’t comply.
They packed what they could into trucks, cars, pick-ups and taxis and tried to get out of the country. The primary route to Ghana was West wards, passing through Benin and Togo.
As a result of an attempted coup the previous year, President Jerry John Rawlings had closed Ghana’s main land border (Aflao) with Togo and to avoid a sudden influx of returnees, Togo then also shut its borders with Benin.
Consequently, once the returnees reached Benin, the way out was restricted, and they were forced to remain in the port of Cotonou, attempting to find a boat to Ghana.
Tens of thousands of refugees, mostly Ghanaians, were massed at the border of the two small African states of Benin and Togo.
After the returnees had been stranded for more than a week with many running out of money and going hungry, Ghana reopened its borders, causing Togo to do likewise so that Ghanaians could return home.
During the return to Ghana, a type of huge cheap matted woven nylon conquered bags used by the migrants to move their belongings, got the name “Ghana Must Go”. The bags are still very popular to this day.
from Nigeria stories on X
So good to know the origin of the popular Ghana must go.
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DeleteI dont think any Ghanaian will be happy hearing that phrase.
As a Nigerian how would you feel if any country lets say south africa or, Dubai or Canada creates a 'nigeria must leave' cheap bag.
Then again, {Under the “Ghana Aliens Compliance Order” law enacted by Ghana’s Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia in 1969, three million Nigerians and other African and non-African immigrants were asked to leave Ghana as they made up 20% of the country’s population at the time.}
So this matter no be today and no be naija start am sef. I hope modern Ghanaians dont take offence.
Honestly that’s exactly how I feel anytime I hear nyamiri from any northern after hearing the story. SMH
DeleteFan Emmanuel
Interesting read
ReplyDeleteI still sell it in my shop. Comes in different sizes and colours.
ReplyDeleteToday, what a twist for both countries.
Heard of the story. Interesting to read here
ReplyDeleteInteresting
ReplyDeleteWe learn everyday.
ReplyDeleteIf UK or USA do to immigrants, what Nigeria did to West African immigrants in those days, you lot would be outraged? But there you go, countries need to protect their borders and politicians need to score points with immigration policies.
ReplyDeleteHistory would forever be something so beautiful to me
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