President John Mahama of Ghana has assured that Ghana remains fully committed to the principles of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly the free movement of persons and goods, stating clearly that xenophobia has no place in the country.
Mahama gave the assurance in Accra during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The visit followed recent protests in Ghana which sparked concern among Nigerians.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, Mahama said that Nigeria and Ghana enjoy a long-standing bond that will not be broken by isolated incidents.
“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 protests were sparked by the resurfacing of an old video recorded by a Nigerian in Ghana over a decade ago, which had generated unnecessary tension.
Mahama clarified that the protests involved fewer than 50 individuals and were quickly brought under control. He assured that Nigerian nationals living in Ghana — along with their businesses and properties — remain safe and protected.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in her remarks, thanked President Mahama for his warm reception and reassurances. She noted that the Nigerian government was concerned about the safety of its citizens in Ghana following the circulation of the viral video.
She said the envoy’s mission was to ease tensions, reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral cooperation, and propose the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission.
According to her, the joint commission would help address youth migration and related issues, particularly in the face of high unemployment rates among young people under 45 years of age across the region.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” she added.
The visit comes at a time both nations are seeking to strengthen ties amid regional concerns, especially within the ECOWAS framework.
