President John Mahama of Ghana has firmly stated that xenophobia has no place in the country, assuring that his government is fully committed to protecting Nigerians and their businesses.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocols, particularly the free movement of persons and goods within the region.
Mahama made this statement while receiving Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Magnus Eze, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mahama urged President Bola Tinubu not to worry about recent protests targeting Nigerians in Ghana.
He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, noting that an old video recorded over a decade ago by a Nigerian living in Ghana had resurfaced, sparking unnecessary tension. However, he confirmed that authorities handled the situation swiftly and effectively.
The Ghanaian President assured the visiting delegation that Nigerians in Ghana—as well as their properties and businesses—remain safe and protected.
Earlier, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the warm reception extended to the Nigerian delegation since their arrival.
She explained that the delegation’s primary goal was to ease tensions arising from the viral video that cast Nigerians in a negative light. She added that many Nigerians back home had expressed concern for their compatriots in Ghana, including the safety of their lives, businesses, and assets.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also revealed that the visit aimed to lay the groundwork for a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. According to her, the commission would help address youth-related challenges, particularly issues stemming from high unemployment among those under 45, which often leads to migration.
“We are encouraging our youth to remain in Nigeria, but if migration becomes necessary, we expect them to serve as excellent ambassadors,” she said.
She also informed President Mahama that she would meet with Nigerian nationals in Ghana to advise them to respect local laws and regulations.
In a post on her X handle, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the meeting as constructive and reassuring.
She wrote, “The Ghanaian President remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence, as has long been the norm between Ghanaian citizens and the Nigerian community. He also pledged to ensure the safety of all residents—both citizens and foreigners—along with their assets and properties.”
The Minister was joined on the fact-finding mission by Regina Ocheni, Director of the Africa Affairs Department; Innocent Iwejuo, Director in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Ajuluchukwu Eze, her Special Assistant on Administration.