President John Mahama of Ghana has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to the protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stressing that there is no space for xenophobia within Ghana’s borders.
Mahama gave the assurance while receiving a delegation led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who served as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy. The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Accra, Ghana.
In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mahama restated Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS principles—particularly the free movement of persons and goods across the West African region.
He urged the envoy to deliver a message of reassurance to President Tinubu, following recent tensions in Ghana sparked by a viral anti-Nigerian video.
“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.
The Ghanaian leader clarified that the video, which was recirculated recently, was originally recorded over a decade ago by a Nigerian living in Ghana. He confirmed that the resulting protest involved fewer than 50 people and that the matter was swiftly addressed to prevent escalation.
Mahama further assured the Nigerian envoy of the safety, protection, and continued welcome of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana.
In response, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude for the Ghanaian president’s warmth and proactive handling of the issue. She explained that the Nigerian government was deeply concerned about the safety of its nationals and their enterprises in Ghana, hence the diplomatic visit.
She also highlighted the need for a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing critical issues, including youth migration driven by unemployment.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” Ojukwu noted.
The meeting marks a reaffirmation of mutual respect and regional solidarity, reinforcing the long-standing brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria amid shared regional challenges.
