Ghanaian President John Mahama has assured that there is no space for xenophobia in Ghana, following reports of protests allegedly targeting Nigerian nationals in the country.
Mahama gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who visited Accra to convey President Bola Tinubu’s concerns over the situation.
According to a statement issued by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Ghanaian president urged Nigerians not to panic, promising the safety of Nigerian citizens and businesses across Ghana.
“Ghana remains committed to ensuring the protection of all foreigners, especially Nigerians, who have contributed immensely to our economy and society,” Mahama said.
He reaffirmed his government’s adherence to the ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of persons and goods within the West African sub-region, emphasizing Ghana’s long-standing commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while addressing concerns raised by Nigerians over the viral reports, said the visit was intended to calm tensions and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“Nigerians are understandably apprehensive, and this mission was necessary to ensure calm and promote understanding. We are encouraging our youth to remain in Nigeria and, if they must migrate, to be worthy ambassadors,” she said.
She noted that part of her discussions in Ghana also focused on plans to establish a Nigeria–Ghana Joint Commission to tackle shared issues such as youth migration, often driven by unemployment and economic pressures.
Earlier in the visit, the minister met with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who similarly assured her that the government was taking proactive steps to prevent further tensions and protect diplomatic ties.
The diplomatic engagement marks a significant effort by both countries to preserve peace and ensure the safety of citizens, as well as promote greater regional stability.
