President John Mahama of Ghana has emphatically reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, underscoring that there is no tolerance for xenophobia within Ghana’s borders.
This firm stance was expressed during a reception held at the Presidential Palace in Accra for a special envoy from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to a statement released on Friday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama reiterated his dedication to advancing ECOWAS mandates, especially those related to the free movement of persons and goods across West Africa. This commitment highlights Ghana’s focus on fostering regional integration and solidarity.
Amid recent protests targeting Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana, Mahama was keen to send a reassuring message. He urged Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu to relay to President Tinubu that there is no cause for alarm. “Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests,” Mahama said. “Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and we won’t allow anything to come between us.”
The President clarified that the unrest stemmed from the resurfacing of an old video, recorded over a decade ago by a Nigerian living in Ghana, which momentarily escalated tensions. However, he praised the swift and effective management of the situation, noting that the protests involved fewer than 50 people and did not reflect widespread sentiment.
Mahama gave firm assurances regarding the safety and protection of Nigerian lives, properties, and businesses throughout Ghana. This commitment reaffirms Ghana’s role as a safe haven for Nigerians and a nation that values peaceful coexistence.
In response, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by President Mahama. She emphasized that the envoy’s visit was primarily aimed at calming tensions caused by the viral video and at addressing Nigerians’ concerns about their safety, properties, and businesses in Ghana.
Furthermore, she highlighted the mission’s goal to facilitate the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. This commission is envisioned as a platform to address critical issues, especially those related to youth migration a challenge arising from the large demographic of unemployed young people under 45 years in both countries.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary for them to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, stressing the importance of responsible migration as part of regional cooperation.
This cooperative spirit between the two West African nations signals a shared determination to deepen ties, maintain peace, and uphold the principles of ECOWAS for the benefit of their citizens and the broader region.
