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ACCRA, Ghana — Ghanaian President John Mahama has moved to reassure Nigeria of the safety of its citizens and businesses in Ghana following recent protests targeting Nigerians in parts of the country.
Speaking on Friday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Mahama condemned the demonstrations and affirmed that there is “no place for xenophobia” in Ghana.
The meeting was held to address the concerns raised by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over what he described as troubling reports of hostility toward Nigerians residing in Ghana.
“There is no place for xenophobia in our country,” Mahama said, according to a statement issued by Magnus Eze, special assistant on communication and new media to the Nigerian minister.
The Ghanaian leader assured his Nigerian counterpart that the government remains committed to protecting the lives, properties, and business interests of Nigerians living in Ghana. He also cited Ghana’s longstanding commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols on the free movement of people and goods.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who conveyed President Tinubu’s concerns during the visit, said that the unrest had caused apprehension back home in Nigeria.
“Nigerians back home are understandably worried about the situation,” she said. “My visit is intended to douse tension and reinforce the bonds of friendship between our two nations.”
She also highlighted the need for more structured cooperation between the two countries, particularly on issues of youth migration and unemployment.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu revealed that discussions were underway to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana joint commission to address migration and other bilateral concerns. The goal, she said, is to strengthen collaboration and ensure that mutual challenges are addressed through diplomatic means.
On Thursday, the minister also met with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who assured her that the Ghanaian government was taking active steps to manage the protests and maintain peace.
The renewed diplomatic engagements come as both countries work to sustain longstanding relations in a region marked by increasing migration and economic challenges.
Source: TheTrentOnline | Continue to Full Story…
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