President John Mahama of Ghana has assured Nigeria that its nationals residing in Ghana are safe, stressing that there is no room for xenophobia in the West African nation.
Mahama gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
The visit followed renewed tension triggered by the recirculation of an old video reportedly made by a Nigerian in Ghana more than a decade ago.
Ghana Reaffirms ECOWAS Commitments
A statement issued Friday by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, quoted Mahama as reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols, particularly those related to the free movement of persons and goods.
“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 said.
He explained that the protest, which sparked diplomatic concern in Nigeria, involved fewer than 50 people, and that the situation had been swiftly contained.
“The recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago actually generated tension, but gladly, the situation was swiftly managed,” he added.
Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission Proposed
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the visit was to douse growing apprehension in Nigeria and reaffirm the safety of its citizens in Ghana.
“Every Nigerian back home is apprehensive about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana. We are here to reaffirm the safety of our citizens and to seek ways to strengthen bilateral ties,” she stated.
She also disclosed plans to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which would address challenges related to youth migration and employment, among others.
“We believe this will offer a structured platform to address issues affecting our citizens and expand cooperation in trade, security, and migration,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu is expected to meet with the Nigerian community in Ghana as part of her diplomatic mission, urging them to comply with local laws and act as worthy ambassadors of their homeland.
