The President of Ghana, John Mahama, has reaffirmed his commitment to regional cooperation.
He assured President Tinubu’s special envoy, led by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in the Presidential Palace, Accra, of his commitment to regional cooperation and the safety and protection of Nigerian nationals, their properties, and businesses in Ghana.
He emphasized that there is no room for xenophobia in Ghana, citing the ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of persons and goods in the region.
President Mahama noted that a recirculated old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago sparked the situation, which was swiftly managed.
He disclosed that the protesters were not up to 50 and assured the envoy of his commitment to the safety and protection of the lives, properties, and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana.
He stated that Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and they would not allow anything to come between them.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the president for his hospitality since the delegation arrived Ghana
She said that every Nigerian back home was apprehensive over the situation and concerned about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana, their properties, and businesses.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also said that the visit was to facilitate the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission equally.
She noted that the Joint Commission would help address the huge demographic of unemployed people under 45 years.
“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister informed President Mahama that she would meet with Nigerians in Ghana to urge them to adhere to Ghanaian laws.
President Mahama asked the envoy to convey his message to President Tinubu, assuring him that Ghana would not let the recent tensions affect their bilateral relations.
The minister was accompanied on the fact-finding mission by the director of the Africa Affairs Department in the ministry, Amb. Regina Ocheni; the director of the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Innocent Iwejuo, and the special assistant (administration) to the minister of state, Mr. Ajuluchukwu Eze.
