Ghanaian President, John Mahama during a courtesy visit to Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Ghanaian President John Mahama has assured Nigerian President Bola Tinubu that there is no room for xenophobia in Ghana, emphasizing the country’s commitment to the safety and protection of Nigerian nationals and their businesses.
This assurance came during a meeting with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, particularly the free movement of persons and goods within the region.
“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 swas quoted as saying in a statement by by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, on Friday.
*Swift Management of Protests*
The recent protests were sparked by the recirculation of a 10-year-old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana.
However, Mahama assured that the situation was swiftly managed, with fewer than 50 protesters involved. He guaranteed the safety and protection of Nigerian lives, properties, and businesses in Ghana.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s visit aimed to douse tension and strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and 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 explained.
The minister also discussed plans to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to address youth migration driven by high unemployment rates. “We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
“The Ghanaian President is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence… and to ensure that both citizens and non-citizens, including their properties and assets, are safe and secure,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated after the meeting.
