‘I thought Nigeria was the giant of Africa’ — Reactions trail establishment of Twitter base in Ghana

The announcement by Social media giants Twitter, stating it is officially making Accra the headquarters of its operation in Africa, has stirred diverse reactions all over social media. 

As part of its plan to fully enter into the African Tech Space, Twitter through its CEO, Jack Dorsey on Monday stated that it would be making Ghana’s capital its HQ.

The announcement was very pleasant news to many Ghanaians with President Nana Akufo-Addo calling it “EXCELLENT news”.

He further stated that both the “government and Ghanaians welcome very much the announcement and the confidence reposed in the country.

“This is the start of a beautiful partnership between Twitter and Ghana, which is critical for the dev’t of Ghana’s hugely important tech sector,” the president’s statement partly read on Twitter.

While the people of Ghana were celebrating the new development which many believe will help the nation’s economy by creating more jobs and opportunities for young people, there were some who weren’t so pleased.

Many Nigerians specifically were not really happy that Twitter chose Ghana instead of Nigeria, however, the grievance was not necessarily against the tech company nor against Ghanaians, but against the government and those at the helms of state affairs in Nigeria.

Most Nigerians who reacted to the move argued that if all things were as they should be, then Nigeria’s population should be enticing enough to have Twitter make the country its African base.

They also fault the government in that there are so many policies that make the nation rather unsuitable for investors such as Twitter, especially with several reports suggesting that Nigeria’s parliament has from time to time deliberated on laws that tend to muffle the rights of individuals (mostly the rights to free speech).

Below are some reactions obtained from Twitter.

How Ghana became the giant of Africa is still very funny to me.

Shame!!!

— aye le (@enikeni01) April 12, 2021

I remembered when Late Former President Hosni Mubarak celebrated Facebook’s presence in Egypt, they caused of his downfall and serious destruction to Eqyptian people and their institutions

I know Ghanaians like to play too much. I hope Twitter is not used to undo Ghanian people.

So as it stands now, Entertainment, tech and Sports are the positive image launderers for Nigeria. The rest na vibes and that’s on giant of Africa

— Foza Billions (The Oracle) (@fozadoza) April 12, 2021

‘Giant of Africa’ for overpopulation, Jollof rice and gbish gbish gbish music.

— Dami (@xx_thedami) April 12, 2021

— Adamu Garba II (@adamugarba) April 12, 2021

How do you guys expect Jack to bring Africa Twitter HQ to Nigeria while you’re only good at #Yahoo yahoo and spreading fake news on his App,?? learn to use the internet for good and maybe he’ll consider establishing a branch here. It seems like Ghana is now the Giant of Africa.

— F A A R E E S 💫 (@MFaarees_) April 12, 2021

Is Nigeria really the giant of Africa, or we are just living on past glory?

— Enny-J (@Herneholar) April 12, 2021

Nigeria has lost its glory in the eyes of the world that’s what make it descending instead of ascending. Am afraid one day the name giant of Africa will diminished from Nigeria and refer to other country like Ghana if we choose to cont. This way.

— MB Yusuf 🇳🇬 (@balaraabe) April 12, 2021

Dstv straight to South Africa,
Twitter hub straight to Ghana,
But Nigeria is the giant of Africa?
It must be from behind

— Omojola Oluwatobi (@Omojolatobi) April 12, 2021

I get really amused when Nigerians start frothing at the mouth over being “passed over for” [insert other African country here]. We’re such proud people, in spite of everything.

— S. (@saratu) April 12, 2021

Whoever started this Giant of Africa nonsense really did a number on us. As if everything is by population size which is really our outstanding measurement at this time 🙄🙄

— Uyai E (@yoowai) April 12, 2021

I’m here for Twitter HQ being in Ghana. Nonsense taya me.

Giant of Africa

— Dear Native (@OTYCasimir) April 12, 2021

Ghana, the real giant of Africa

— @omotayo.🦋 (@savageOmotayo) April 12, 2021

I don’t think I’ve ever used the terms “giant of Africa” and “Nigeria” positively in the same sentence. If I have in the past I’m sorry

— Νατε (@olobzjr) April 12, 2021

Congrats to the giant of Africa 🇬🇭 https://t.co/TW6ns0qNqi

— Aishetu Fatima Dozie (@TheAishetu) April 12, 2021

Imagine if they brought Twitter HQ to Nigeria and they decided to use glo sim as their official sim 🤔

Ghana | Giant of Africa pic.twitter.com/AI4ATiNIZt

— violence police 👮😈 (@billion_gns) April 12, 2021

Because of inconsistent power supply and small kidnappings here and there, Jack decided to overlook a whole “Giant of Africa” and took Twitter Africa’s Headquarters to Ghana?

— KATOR TARKAA (@KatorTarkaa) April 12, 2021

Giant of Africa has been ignored again

— Adeyemi Damilola E. (@IamtheDami) April 12, 2021

The same Ghana Nigerians were making fun of their jollof has now become the giant of africa.

— LOMO (@Mister_linus) April 12, 2021

They should just stop that nonsense of calling Nigeria giant of Africa to be honest, Ghana is the real giant of Africa.
Congratulations Ghana ….

— King Creator 🦁 (@Kingcreatorr) April 12, 2021

It’s really saddens my heart that Nigeria 🇳🇬 claims to be giant of Africa, but can’t attract strong foreign investors like @Twitter to come improve our tech services 😟 why can’t Jack Dorsey call on Bubu because he have nothing to offer shame 😭

— Chinedu Ikechukwu Joseph (@CJMOOREPLUG) April 12, 2021

Let’s stop deceiving ourselves with that “Giant of Africa” nonsense, apart from population, Ghana, Egypt & South Africa are much better and developed than us…These countries boosts investments, our country kill investments.

— Yomi (@9Yommie) April 12, 2021

It’s a pity you change your mind after you came to lagos, Nigeria last year.
I believe your choice of Ghana is in your company’s best interest 👍
Regardless Nigeria still remains the choice destination and giant of Africa🙌🇳🇬

— TheCitizen (@MaziAlly) April 12, 2021

This government keep chasing away opportunities and investors. But we be giant of Africa.

— SOLAR PLUG (@Bhadboyjones) April 12, 2021

We are not the giant of Africa but na we get the African giant.

E no spoil

— OBA OF LAGOS⚪ (@Thinkquick2) April 12, 2021

Does anyone still truly believe Nigeria is the giant of Africa?

— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) April 12, 2021

Yes, we are the giant of Africa.

Giant in corruption, bribery, extortion and all what have you.

If there is any other tittle above giant, please crown Nigeria already.

— Nne bekee💎 (@fragrancesbyvee) April 12, 2021

Giant of Africa doesn’t mean they should have all the opportunities.

— Oyindamola (@Oyiindaa) April 12, 2021

Nigerians have taken Jack to court after he decided to open Twitter headquarters in Ghana instead. #TwitterGhana pic.twitter.com/KuQ0WCpRd2

— Sharyf🦁 (@Sharyfff) April 12, 2021

Twitter CEO came to enjoy himself in Nigeria but when it was time to base Twitter Africa HQ, he chose Ghana. E get why… pic.twitter.com/POdDlGBro5

— ✨👑 DaddyMO👑✨✊🏾 (@therealdaddymo1) April 12, 2021

In answering the question, “Why Ghana?”, here is what @Twitter had to say, “As a champion for democracy, Ghana is a supporter of free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet, of which Twitter is also an advocate.” #TwitterGhana #TwitterInGhana pic.twitter.com/f5GK44kpUc

— Kow Essuman, Esq. (@kaessuman) April 12, 2021

Congratulations to me brothers in Ghana. We be the headqwaters of twitter Africa. Dem Nigerians be crying. With they president wey don pass menopause. God bless Ghena.

— SHANK COMICS🌝 (@Obacruze) April 12, 2021

Ghana Jollof did the magic!! #TwitterGhana pic.twitter.com/PpGFgtCT76

— KALYJAY 👻 (@gyaigyimii) April 12, 2021

Back in 2019 Jack Ate Nigerian Jollof and Ghanaian Jollof and decided to build his headquarters here in Ghana. We won the Jollof war! 🇬🇭😂#TwitterGhana pic.twitter.com/CKgROTSAg6

— KALYJAY 👻 (@gyaigyimii) April 12, 2021

Nigerian influencers on their way to Twitter HQ in Ghana to appeal their account suspension.🤣#TwitterGhana pic.twitter.com/9oRVGJZqKK

— Twilight🇬🇭🏴‍☠️ (@the_marcoli_boy) April 12, 2021

One day we will wake up and Ghana will be the unofficial capital of Africa. Love the moves they’ve been making! Akwaaba! https://t.co/UZBrbmGSzh

— E (@iaboyeji) April 12, 2021

Why did Twitter choose Ghana as HQ?

1. Champion for democracy,
2. Supporter of free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet,
3. Ghana’s hosting The Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Tweet was signed by a Nigerian working in Twitter

— Kalu Aja (@FinPlanKaluAja1) April 12, 2021

The truth is that if the @MBuhari regime does not turn a new leaf (almost an impossibility), even Nigerian businesses and brands will be leaving Nigeria for Ghana. Both Dunlop and Michelin left Nigeria for Ghana. Even our Grammy winners @WizkidAyo and @BurnaBoy prefer Ghana

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 12, 2021

Under @MBuhari, our ease of doing business is so bad that it’s easier for terrorists to get phone lines than law abiding residents. You can land in Ghana’s Kotoka Airport and get a SIM card at the airport. But a camel has to pass through the eye of a needle to get one in Nigeria

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 12, 2021

Under @MBuhari, our ease of doing business is so bad that it’s easier for terrorists to get phone lines than law abiding residents. You can land in Ghana’s Kotoka Airport and get a SIM card at the airport. But a camel has to pass through the eye of a needle to get one in Nigeria

— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 12, 2021

Why Ghana?
“Ghana’s recent appointment to host The Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area aligns with…efforts to improve and tailor our service across Africa.”
As promised #AfCFTA = Jobs for Ghanaians. More to come! 🇬🇭 https://t.co/tMky8uO2ke

— Alan John Kyerematen (@AlanKyerematen) April 12, 2021

Nigeria is like the dazzling, exciting girl Jack dated. Ghana is the calm, dependable one he married.

— Gesare Chife (@gechife) April 12, 2021 (Channels TV)