Ghanaian President John Mahama has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols and assured of the safety of Nigerian nationals, declaring that there is “no place for xenophobia in Ghana.”
Mahama gave the assurance while receiving President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
The visit followed rising concern over anti-Nigerian sentiment sparked by the recirculation of an old video purportedly showing hostility toward Nigerians in Ghana.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, Mahama dismissed the recent protests against Nigerians as minor and misrepresented.
“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 was quoted as saying.
He noted that the protesters numbered fewer than 50 and that the situation had been swiftly contained. He emphasized Ghana’s continued support for free movement and regional cooperation, in line with ECOWAS principles.
“Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with shared history, so we would not allow anything to come between us,” he reiterated.
On her part, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Mahama for his warm reception and reassurances. She noted that the envoy’s visit was aimed at easing tensions and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens living in Ghana.
“Every Nigerian back home was apprehensive over the situation. We are concerned about the safety of our nationals, their properties and businesses,” she said.
She also proposed the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to deepen bilateral relations and proactively address issues, especially youth migration driven by unemployment.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it becomes necessary to migrate, they must do so as great ambassadors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu added.
