PRESIDENT John Mahama of Ghana has assured that Nigerians living in Ghana have nothing to fear, stating unequivocally that xenophobia has no place in the West African nation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the safety of Nigerians and their businesses and said his administration will uphold ECOWAS protocols, especially those concerning the free movement of persons and goods in the region.
The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Palace in Accra, comes amid renewed tensions following the circulation of an old video that sparked protests under the #NigeriaMustGo trend on social media.
According to a statement signed by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, Mahama urged Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent unrest, describing it as a storm in a teacup caused by misinformation.
“Nigeria and Ghana share a long-standing history of brotherhood,” Mahama said. “The video in question is over a decade old. While it did cause concern, the situation was quickly brought under control.”
Mahama assured the Nigerian delegation that his government is fully committed to ensuring the safety, rights, and economic participation of Nigerians in Ghana.
Earlier in her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked President Mahama for the hospitality extended to the Nigerian delegation, noting that her visit was a fact-finding and peace-building mission.
“Every Nigerian back home is watching and worried,” she said. “We came to engage, clarify, and assure our citizens in Ghana that their government stands with them.”
The minister explained that the viral protest video, which allegedly targeted Nigerians for expulsion, had escalated public anxiety in both countries.
Her visit, she said, aimed to not only clarify the issue but also to initiate a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, which would help address broader issues such as youth migration and socio-economic integration.
“We are encouraging Nigerian youths to remain in Nigeria. But if they must migrate, they must do so legally and become good ambassadors of our country,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
She also told President Mahama of her meetings with Nigerian communities in Ghana, urging them to respect Ghanaian laws and contribute meaningfully to society.
In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account after the visit, the minister described the engagement as “productive” and praised the Ghanaian leader for his “commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional solidarity.”
“The Ghanaian President is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence as had hitherto been the situation between Ghanaian citizens and the Nigerian community,” her post read.
“He also pledged to ensure that all citizens and non-citizens, including their properties and businesses, are safe and secure.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu was accompanied by Regina Ocheni, Director of Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Innocent Iwejuo, Director of the Minister’s Office; and Ajuluchukwu Eze, her Special Assistant on Administration.
As both countries look toward deeper cooperation, the proposed Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission is expected to play a pivotal role in resolving future disputes and fostering long-term stability and mutual respect.