Ghana’s Mahama dismisses xenophobia fears, pledges protection for Nigerians
President of Ghana, John Mahama, has assured Nigeria that the safety of its citizens, businesses, and property in Ghana is guaranteed, urging President Bola Tinubu not to lose sleep over a viral video that recently sparked anti-Nigerian sentiments and protests in parts of the country.
Mahama gave the assurance during a meeting with a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, who was on a two-day visit to Ghana to engage stakeholders and address tensions triggered by the video.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Bianca Ojukwu disclosed that the Ghanaian President reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols on the free movement of people and goods, adding that Ghana remains a safe space for all West Africans.
“The President made it clear that there is no place for xenophobia in Ghana,” Ojukwu said, adding that Mahama dismissed the viral video as unrepresentative of the country’s stance towards Nigerians.
She further noted that her mission also included engagement with the Nigerian community in Ghana, during which she advised them to remain law-abiding and respectful of local regulations.
According to Ojukwu, the visit also sought to lay the groundwork for the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to collaboratively address shared regional concerns such as youth restiveness, irregular migration, and human trafficking.
The Minister emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic and community-level engagements to ensure peaceful coexistence between both countries.
