Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Nigerians living in Ghana, affirming that xenophobia has no place in the West African country.
He made this assurance while receiving Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
The meeting followed recent protests targeting Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana.
According to a statement by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, President Mahama urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be unduly worried by the demonstrations.
“There is no place for xenophobia in the country,” Mahama said, adding that his government is committed to protecting the lives, businesses, and properties of Nigerians in Ghana.
He emphasized his administration’s support for the ECOWAS Protocols, particularly the free movement of people and goods within the region, and acknowledged the shared history between Nigeria and Ghana.
Mahama also addressed the source of recent tensions, noting that the recirculation of a decade-old video recorded by a Nigerian resident in Ghana had caused unrest but was quickly contained.
“The Ghanaian president assured the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties, and businesses of Nigerians in Ghana.”
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation for the warm reception from President Mahama and his government. She explained that the visit was primarily aimed at easing tensions triggered by the viral video.
“Every Nigerian back home was worried about the situation and concerned about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana, their properties, and businesses,”
she said.
The minister further disclosed that discussions are ongoing to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which would help both countries address youth challenges and irregular migration driven by Nigeria’s large population of unemployed youths under 45.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,”
she said.
She also emphasized the importance of Nigerians in Ghana obeying the country’s laws and shared her impressions of the engagement on social media.
“The Ghanaian President is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence as had hitherto been the situation between Ghanaian citizens and the Nigerian community and to ensure that both citizens and non-citizens, including their properties and assets, are safe and secure,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted.
She was accompanied by Regina Ocheni, Director of the Africa Affairs Department; Innocent Iwejuo, Director in the Office of the Minister of State; and Ajuluchukwu Eze, Special Assistant (Administration) to the Minister.
“It was an engaging session with the President of Ghana H.E. John Dramani Mahama to convey the concerns of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria over the recent protests against Nigerian nationals in Ghana,” she added.
