Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, has assured that xenophobia has no place in Ghana, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, particularly on the free movement of persons and goods within the region.
President Mahama gave this assurance while receiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
Addressing concerns over recent anti-Nigerian protests in Ghana, Mahama emphasized that Nigeria and Ghana share deep historical ties and would not allow isolated incidents to harm their long-standing relationship. He clarified that the viral video fueling tensions was over a decade old and had been recirculated, misleading the public and stirring unnecessary anxiety.
He assured the Nigerian delegation that the protests were minor, involving fewer than 50 individuals, and that the Ghanaian government had swiftly contained the situation. Mahama further reiterated Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding the lives, businesses, and properties of Nigerians residing in the country.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her remarks, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for Ghana’s prompt management of the issue. She acknowledged the widespread concern among Nigerians over the safety of their citizens and assets in Ghana, following the viral video.
Highlighting the purpose of the visit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the mission was not only to calm tensions but also to accelerate efforts toward establishing a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. This body, she explained, would facilitate bilateral cooperation on youth engagement, migration issues, and economic opportunities, particularly addressing the challenges posed by the large youthful population in West Africa.
“We are committed to encouraging Nigerian youths to develop skills at home, and if they choose to migrate, to be responsible ambassadors of our country,” she added.
The Nigerian delegation included Ambassador Regina Ocheni, Director of Africa Affairs; Ambassador Innocent Iwejuo, Director, Office of the Minister of State; and Mr. Ajuluchukwu Eze, Special Assistant (Administration) to the Minister of State
