Ayariga sparks controversy with unverified crime statistics targeting Nigerians
Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) and former presidential aspirant, Hassan Ayariga is facing growing criticism after claiming that Nigerians are the leading perpetrators of crime in Ghana, a statement many say is unfounded and potentially inflammatory.
Ayariga made the assertion during a recent interview, alleging that “statistics” show Nigerians top crime-related cases in the country. However, when pressed by journalists and civil society groups to provide evidence, he failed to cite any verifiable data or official sources.
“We cannot sit by and allow people to enter this country and dominate our crime statistics,” Ayariga said.
Despite the bold claim, Ayariga did not reference any reports from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Statistical Service, or recognized international agencies to support his statement.
His comments have sparked a wave of condemnation from human rights groups, academics, and political observers, who warn that such unsubstantiated remarks risk fueling xenophobia and discrimination against foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, who form a significant part of Ghana’s migrant population.
“This is not the kind of rhetoric expected from a political leader,” said Dr. Ama Boateng, a migration policy expert at the University of Ghana. “Public figures have a responsibility to speak with accuracy and sensitivity, especially on issues as delicate as crime and immigration.”
The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana has not yet issued a formal response but is said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Meanwhile, analysts and civil society organizations are calling on Ayariga to either provide credible data to support his claims or retract the statement altogether. They also urge the media and political figures to handle migration-related discussions with greater care and responsibility, especially as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.
Observers warn that without fact-based dialogue, migration and crime may become increasingly politicized, with potentially damaging consequences for Ghana’s reputation as a tolerant and cooperative regional partner
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