Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Nigeria of the safety of its citizens residing in Ghana, emphasizing that there is no room for xenophobia in the country. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, particularly those promoting the free movement of people and goods within the region.
The assurance was delivered on Thursday at the Presidential Palace in Accra, where President Mahama received a delegation from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The delegation, led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, visited Ghana to address concerns over recent tensions.
“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests. Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and we won’t allow anything to come between us,” Mahama stated, according to a release by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Mahama attributed the tensions to the recirculation of a decade-old video recorded by a Nigerian living in Ghana, which sparked concerns among Nigerians. He clarified that the incident was swiftly addressed and assured that the situation had been resolved.
The video that caused the tension is over 10 years old. The protests it triggered involved no more than 50 individuals and were promptly managed. I assure you of the safety and protection of Nigerians’ lives, properties, and businesses in Ghana,” Mahama said.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the purpose of the visit as an effort to calm fears among Nigerians and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
Every Nigerian back home is apprehensive about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana. We are here to reaffirm their safety and explore ways to deepen our partnership,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed plans to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to address pressing issues, including youth migration driven by unemployment. Additionally, she announced plans to meet with the Nigerian community in Ghana to encourage compliance with local laws and promote their role as good ambassadors of Nigeria.
Commitment to Regional Unity
Mahama’s message reinforced the deep bond between Ghana and Nigeria, rooted in shared history and mutual respect. His assurance seeks to dispel fears of hostility and underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering regional unity and cooperation.
