The Media Coordinator at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana, Destiny Austine Omon, has resigned from his position, citing pressure to remain silent on issues raised by Nigerians, restrictions on reportage and irregular payment of his stipend, sources have told SaharaReporters.
Multiple sources familiar with the development said Omon alleged pressure over questions raised by Nigerians concerning a reported ₦2 billion budget allocation.
According to his resignation letter, a copy of which was shared with SaharaReporters by sources, Omon resigned with effect from August 27, 2026.
He also cited restrictions on reporting issues affecting Nigerians in Ghana, as well as the low and irregular payment of his stipend, as reasons for his decision to leave the position.
In the letter, dated August 27 and addressed to the High Commissioner of Nigeria in Accra, Omon said his decision to resign was not an easy one, noting that he had regarded representing Nigerians in Ghana and communicating issues affecting them as an important responsibility.
However, he said he had reached a point where he could no longer continue in the role “under the present circumstances.”
Omon wrote, “In particular, I have become increasingly concerned about pressure to remain silent on questions and concerns raised by Nigerians regarding the reported 2 billion budget allocation and related issues of transparency and accountability.”
The Media Coordinator in the letter seen by SaharaReporters also alleged that restrictions had been placed on reportage concerning the situations and challenges confronting Nigerians living in Ghana.
“I am also concerned about the level of control and restrictions placed on reportage concerning the situations and challenges confronting Nigerians in Ghana,” he stated.
According to him, the restrictions were inconsistent with his understanding of the responsibilities of a media coordinator, stressing that legitimate concerns affecting Nigerians should be communicated responsibly and without interference.
“As a media coordinator, I believe that credible communication should allow legitimate concerns affecting Nigerians to be reported responsibly, accurately and without undue interference,” Omon said.
He further cited financial difficulties, saying, “Furthermore, the low and irregular payment of my stipend, including delays in receiving payments due to me, has made it increasingly difficult for me to continue carrying out my responsibilities effectively.”
Despite his decision to resign, Omon said he remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the experience he gained while occupying the position.
“I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the experience gained during my time in the role. I have always sought to discharge my responsibilities professionally and in the best interest of Nigerians and the image of Nigeria,” he wrote.
“Omon’s resignation should not be interpreted as a rejection of the mission or its objectives. He is committed to the Nigerian cause but, he is heavily convinced that he can no longer effectively perform his responsibilities under the circumstances outlined above,” a source told SaharaReporters.
In the resignation letter seen by SaharaReporters, Omon also offered to facilitate a smooth transition by handing over official materials, information and responsibilities in his possession.
The now former Media Coordinator, while resigning, concluded by thanking the commission for the opportunity to serve and wishing the Nigerian High Commission continued success in its diplomatic responsibilities and efforts to promote the welfare and interests of Nigerians in Ghana.
The resignation comes amid concerns raised in the letter over transparency surrounding the reported ₦2 billion allocation. However, the letter did not provide further details on the specific budgetary provision, its purpose or the identity of those who allegedly exerted pressure on him to remain silent.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that concerned members of the Nigerian community in Ghana had petitioned the Federal Government, National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies, demanding transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
The petition, dated Tuesday, August 18, 2026, was signed on behalf of the concerned Nigerians in Ghana by Amb. Oloye Oyeyemisola Fatuyi FIIM, Baale of the Yoruba Community, Mataheko Afienya, Tema, and Chairman of the Greater Accra Yoruba Community, Ghana, alongside Nii Sakumono Okpelente 1 Noryaa Mantse of Greater Accra.
The petition was addressed to the Nigerian High Commissioner in Accra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The group specifically demanded a detailed breakdown of funds allocated and released to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra under the 2025 Appropriation Act and any special intervention funds, particularly those relating to consular services and the welfare of Nigerians in Ghana.
According to the petitioners, the 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Appropriation Act provides for the operation of Nigeria’s foreign missions, including consular services and the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
They also noted that the Federal Government had in recent times approved special intervention funds to address operational shortfalls and outstanding obligations in Nigerian missions abroad.
However, the Nigerians in Ghana alleged that members of the community were repeatedly compelled to shoulder responsibilities which, ordinarily, fall within the mandate of the High Commission.
They listed emergency welfare cases, repatriation support, detention matters and other consular interventions among areas where Nigerians were allegedly required to provide financial assistance, often under the explanation of “no available funds” at the mission.
“This situation raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the effective utilization of resources appropriated for our missions,” the petitioners said.
They argued that the situation placed an “unfair financial and moral burden” on Nigerians in Ghana, whom they said contributed to Nigeria through remittances and positive representation of the country abroad.