The blue-and-white or sometimes red-and-white checkered bags, popularly known as "Ghana Must Go" bags, gained notoriety during the 1980s in Nigeria, West Africa. These bags became synonymous with migration when millions of undocumented Ghanaian nationals were expelled from Nigeria. Many used these bags to pack their belongings for the journey back to Ghana, giving the bags their enduring name.

In recent times, with the advent of globalization, the migration of people across neighboring borders, oceans, and distant continents has become more frequent. Individuals migrate in search of better economic prospects, job opportunities, education, and marriage, carrying with them their belongings, cultures, and beliefs.

Anyi N’Aga—We Are Going explores the themes of migration and heritage through the lens of fashion, drawing on the symbolism of the "Ghana Must Go" bags. These bags have become emblematic of travel and migration, reflecting a rich and complex history.

The story began in 1983, when an exodus of over 2 million West African immigrants, mostly Ghanaians, occurred in Nigeria. This mass migration was triggered by socioeconomic hardships when oil prices plummeted. During the oil boom of the 1970s, Nigeria, being an oil-rich country, enjoyed economic benefits that attracted people from neighboring countries in search of better lives. However, the economic downturn in the early 1980s led to the expulsion of these immigrants, sparking the "Ghana Must Go" revolution.

This period was marked by extreme difficulties, as many who left Nigeria were denied entry into other countries due to reluctance to accept an influx of immigrants. Consequently, expelled immigrants were forced to camp at the borders of Nigeria and Benin Republic. The situation worsened for some Ghanaians who drowned in overcrowded boats while attempting to travel by sea.

Interestingly, in 1969, Ghana had also forcefully expelled hundreds of thousands of immigrants from its country due to economic crises, which some believed was an act of retaliation. Despite these turbulent times, the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana has since improved, and the term "Ghana Must Go" has become a historical marker of this migration era.

Through fashion, Anyi N’Aga not only explores these historical and cultural themes but also highlights the resilience and interconnectedness of West African communities, using the "Ghana Must Go" bags as a powerful symbol of heritage and migration.

Credits: mrobinnaobioma.com; Olaleye, L. The London School of Economics and Political Science.

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