Stories and facts

The Aliens Compliance Order, announced on November 18, 1969, by the government of Ghana under Prime Minister Kofi Busia, marked a significant and controversial moment in the history of immigration and national identity in West Africa. This policy led to the mass expulsion of approximately 200,000 immigrants, predominantly Nigerians, from Ghana. The order was rooted in a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors brewing for decades.

Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Ghana (then known as the Gold Coast) attracted many immigrants from neighbouring countries, particularly Nigeria.

By 1931, Nigerians constituted the largest group of immigrants in Ghana, driven by economic opportunities in trade and agriculture.

This influx continued until the 1960s, when the population of Nigerian immigrants had increased to about 191,000 by 1963. However, as Ghana faced economic challenges in the late 1960s, public sentiment began to shift against these immigrants.

The late 1960s were marked by economic difficulties in Ghana, including high unemployment rates and inflation. Many Ghanaians began to perceive foreign nationals as competitors for jobs and resources.

This sentiment was exacerbated by a growing nationalist movement that sought to prioritise Ghanaians in economic opportunities.

The Aliens Compliance Order was thus framed as a patriotic initiative aimed at reclaiming jobs for Ghanaians and addressing rising crime rates attributed to foreign nationals

The Aliens Compliance Order required all non-Ghanaians to register with the government and provide documentation proving their legal status in the country.

Those who failed to comply faced deportation. While the policy affected various immigrant groups from countries such as Togo and Burkina Faso, it disproportionately targeted Nigerians, particularly those from the Yoruba ethnic group.

An estimated 140,000 Nigerians were expelled under this order. The response among Ghanaians was largely supportive; many viewed the expulsion as a necessary measure to safeguard national interests.

The government portrayed the operation as a means to restore order and boost local employment opportunities amidst growing discontent over economic hardships.

The consequences of the Aliens Compliance Order were profound and lasting. The mass expulsion not only disrupted lives but also strained relations between Ghana and Nigeria.

Families were torn apart, businesses were shuttered, and many immigrants lost their livelihoods overnight.

The incident in Ghana's immigration history serves as a reminder of how economic pressures can lead to xenophobic policies. In retrospect, the Aliens Compliance Order is often cited in discussions about immigration policy in West Africa.

It highlights the delicate balance between national identity and economic realities that many countries continue to navigate today.

Explore the timeline of this historic event below.

Explore the historical context, causes, and impacts of the Aliens Compliance Order issued in 1969 by the government of Ghana under Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia.