President John Mahama of Ghana has affirmed that there is no place for xenophobia in the country, assuring that his administration remains committed to the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana.
Mahama also reiterated his dedication to the principles of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), especially the protocol on the free movement of persons and goods across member states.
He made these remarks when he received Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
According to a statement released on Friday and signed by Magnus Eze, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State, Mahama urged President Bola Tinubu not to be troubled by recent protests against Nigerians living in Ghana.
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He emphasized the longstanding historical ties between Nigeria and Ghana, noting that the recent tension was sparked by the circulation of an old video made over a decade ago by a Nigerian resident in Ghana. He, however, disclosed that the situation had been promptly managed and brought under control.
The Ghanaian President assured the Nigerian envoy of his government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and protection of the lives, properties, and businesses of Nigerians residing in Ghana.
Earlier during the visit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Nigerian delegation since their arrival. She clarified that the purpose of their mission was to help de-escalate tensions triggered by the viral video and to reassure the Nigerian community back home of their compatriots’ safety.
She explained that the Nigerian government was deeply concerned about the welfare of its citizens living in Ghana, including their properties and business interests.
The minister also disclosed that her visit aimed to advance discussions on the creation of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. According to her, the commission would help address youth concerns and tackle irregular migration driven by the large population of unemployed people under the age of 45.
“We are encouraging our youth to remain in Nigeria, and where migration is necessary, we want them to be great ambassadors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She added that she would meet with Nigerians living in Ghana to emphasize the importance of obeying local laws and maintaining a positive image.
In a post shared on her X handle, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the meeting as “engaging” and commended the Ghanaian President’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“The Ghanaian President is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, as has historically existed between Ghanaians and Nigerians, and to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and non-citizens alike, including their properties and assets,” she wrote.
The minister was accompanied on the fact-finding mission by the Director of the Africa Affairs Department in the ministry, Regina Ocheni; Director of the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Innocent Iwejuo; and Special Assistant (Administration) to the Minister of State, Ajuluchukwu Eze.