Founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga, has issued a passionate call for urgent national action to safeguard Ghana’s sovereignty and protect the security of future generations.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Monday, 30th September 2025, Dr. Ayariga reminded Ghanaians of the country’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful, hospitable, and welcoming nation. However, he warned that this generosity must never be mistaken for weakness or exploited in ways that could compromise Ghana’s independence, identity, and long-term stability.
“Ghana is a land of peace, hospitality, and freedom. We have opened our doors to many across the world. But today, I stand before you with a firm conviction: our generosity must never be mistaken for weakness, nor our hospitality for surrender of our sovereignty,” he declared.
Concerns Over Growing Foreign Influence
The APC leader cautioned that Ghana risks losing control of its future if urgent steps are not taken. According to him, the unchecked activities of foreign nationals in Ghana — from unregulated businesses to increasing land acquisitions — pose a subtle but serious threat to the very fabric of the nation.
He painted a scenario where Ghanaians could find themselves “overpopulated, outnumbered, and displaced” in their own homeland if policymakers and citizens fail to act. This, he said, would erode not just economic opportunities for the people but also cultural identity, national pride, and generational security.
Dr. Ayariga stressed that sovereignty is not only about protecting borders but also about ensuring that the people of Ghana retain control over their economic resources, political leadership, and national assets.
A Six-Point Proposal
To respond to these growing concerns, Dr. Ayariga outlined a six-point proposal that he believes should form the foundation of a national policy on sovereignty protection.
1. Foreign Population Audit
Dr. Ayariga emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit of the foreign population living in Ghana.
“We must know the true number of foreigners living in Ghana. No nation can remain sovereign if it cannot account for those within its borders,” he stated.
2. Strict Immigration and Residency Controls
He called for stricter laws to curb illegal entry, overstays, and undocumented settlements. In his view, residency quotas should be introduced to regulate how many foreigners are permitted to stay long term.
3. Regulation of Foreign Businesses
Dr. Ayariga argued that certain trades and markets should be preserved exclusively for Ghanaians. He warned that local entrepreneurs risk being pushed out of their own markets if foreign competition remains unchecked.
4. Land and Property Ownership
Reiterating one of his strongest points, Dr. Ayariga insisted that Ghanaian lands must remain in Ghanaian hands.
“Foreigners may lease, but ownership must remain with the sons and daughters of this soil,” he emphasized.
5. Constitutional Safeguards
He proposed amendments to Ghana’s Constitution to secure the nation’s political leadership for true-born Ghanaians only. According to him, the highest offices of the land must never be compromised by divided loyalty.
6. Enforcement and Monitoring
Finally, he stressed that the Ministry of Interior should be empowered to enforce these laws and oversee regular monitoring. This, he said, would ensure that Ghana’s policies “protect Ghanaians first.”
Not Hostility, But Self-Preservation
While his statement carried a tone of urgency, Dr. Ayariga clarified that his proposals were not an attack on foreigners living in Ghana. Rather, he described them as measures of self-preservation. Every great nation, he argued, must protect its people, resources, and sovereignty from erosion.
“Let us be clear: foreigners are welcome in Ghana, but only on Ghana’s terms, not at the expense of Ghanaians,” he stated firmly.
He maintained that these measures would not only strengthen Ghana’s sovereignty but also create an environment where partnerships with foreign nationals could thrive on fair and respectful terms.
A Call for Unity
Beyond policy changes, Dr. Ayariga called on citizens to rise above political, ethnic, and regional divides to unite around the national interest. He reminded Ghanaians that safeguarding sovereignty is not the responsibility of government alone but a duty for every citizen.
“Ghana is for Ghanaians. And as long as we live, we shall never allow our people to become strangers in their own land,” he affirmed.
His call for unity was anchored in the belief that a strong sense of collective responsibility will help the nation resist both internal and external threats.
Broader National Conversation
Dr. Ayariga’s statement has reignited a conversation around immigration, economic security, and land ownership in Ghana. Over the years, questions have been raised about the balance between openness to foreign investment and the protection of local interests.
Experts argue that while foreign investment is crucial for development, it must be managed in a way that prioritizes Ghanaians and ensures that national resources remain under local control. Some also point out that other African countries, such as Rwanda and Tanzania, have implemented strong laws around land ownership and business regulation to prevent the marginalization of their citizens.
Dr. Ayariga’s six-point framework, therefore, adds a sharper political voice to what many Ghanaians see as a pressing issue.
Conclusion
Ending his statement on a patriotic note, Dr. Ayariga invoked the words of the national prayer as both a reminder and a rallying call.
“May God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.”
His message was clear: Ghana’s future lies in the hands of its people, and every decision taken today must be guided by the responsibility to protect the nation for tomorrow.
As debates continue, Dr. Ayariga’s call stands as both a warning and a challenge — to ensure that Ghana remains not just a land of hospitality but also a nation that fiercely guards its sovereignty.
