GHANA’S PRESIDENT MAHAMA ASSURES NIGERIANS OF SAFETY, CONDEMNS XENOPHOBIA
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the safety and protection of Nigerians living in Ghana, declaring that there is no place for xenophobia in the West African nation.
Mahama made the assurance when he received Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra. The meeting, according to a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, was aimed at addressing rising concerns following recent protests targeting Nigerian nationals in Ghana.
The Ghanaian leader urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians not to be alarmed by the tension, which he attributed to the circulation of an old video recorded over a decade ago by a Nigerian resident in Ghana. He confirmed that the situation had since been contained and that Nigerian businesses and communities remain safe.
Mahama further emphasized his administration’s continued adherence to ECOWAS protocols, particularly the free movement of people and goods within the region, noting the long-standing ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her remarks, expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the Ghanaian authorities. She reiterated that the Nigerian delegation’s visit was to de-escalate tensions and reassure the Nigerian community in Ghana of the government’s interest in their well-being.
She also disclosed plans to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which would address issues related to youth migration and bilateral relations.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if they must migrate, to do so responsibly and act as ambassadors,” she stated, adding that she would meet with Nigerian nationals in Ghana to encourage respect for the country’s laws.
In a follow-up post on her official X handle, the minister described the dialogue with President Mahama as productive and reaffirmed the Ghanaian government’s commitment to safeguarding all residents, regardless of nationality.
The Nigerian delegation also included 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.
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