The Ghana Must Go Bag is a popular term that refers to a large, durable, red or green bag made of woven polypropylene material that has become a ubiquitous feature in Nigeria’s informal economy.
They are used for a plethora of purposes, such as transporting goods, moving and storing household items, and as luggage for long-distance travel.
This article aims to trace the history of the Ghana Must Go Bag and its relevance in Nigerian culture.
The Origin of Ghana Must Go Bags
The history of the Ghana Must Go Bag can be traced back to the 1983 Nigerian government’s expulsion of undocumented immigrants, mostly Ghanaians, due to a sagging economy and rising unemployment rates.
Ghanaians were given a 48-hour notice to leave the country, and the expulsion exercise was done so hastily that many Ghanaians had to pack their belongings into large, cheap, durable bags.
The bags were so ubiquitous that they became synonymous with the expulsion exercise, and consequently, were called Ghana Must Go Bags.
This migration event, coupled with the bags’ affordability, durability, and size, led to the bags’ proliferation throughout Nigeria’s informal sector. The Ghana Must Go Bag became a significant part of the local economy, particularly in the transportation and storage of goods.
Uses of Ghana Must Go Bags
In Nigeria, the Ghana Must Go Bag is used for various purposes such as:
- Storage of goods: Because the bags are spacious, durable, and waterproof, Nigerians use them to store their household items, particularly during the wet season, when flooding is a common occurrence.
- Transportation of goods: The bags are often used to transport raw materials, finished goods, and agricultural produce to the market, as well as for long-distance travel.
- Informal trade: Nigerians also buy and sell Ghana Must Go Bags as a source of income. They trade the bags by purchasing them in bulk and selling them at a higher price to market women, traders, and farmers.
- Luggage: The bags are also used as travel bags for long-distance travel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ghana Must Go Bag has become a vital feature in Nigeria’s informal economy. Its uses go beyond just transportation, storage, or as a travel bag; it is also a means of livelihood for some Nigerians.
The bag’s historical significance and association with the expulsion of Ghanaians in 1983 have made it a cultural phenomenon that is deeply rooted in Nigerian society.
With the increasing popularity of plastic bags and improved textile technology, the Ghana Must Go Bag may decrease in use and fade away slowly, but its significance in Nigerian history and culture remains.
