Accra: President John Mahama of Ghana has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, stating that there is no place for xenophobia in Ghana. Mahama made this declaration while receiving President Bola Tinubu’s special envoy, led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra, Ghana.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, reported that the Ghanaian president reiterated his commitment to advancing the ECOWAS protocols, especially those concerning the free movement of persons and goods within the region. President Mahama urged the envoy to convey his message to President Tinubu, emphasizing that there should be no cause for concern over recent protests against Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana.
President Mahama highlighted the shared history between Nigeria and Ghana, asserting that nothing should come between the two nations. He acknowledged that the recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian in Ghana over a decade ago had generated tension, but he was pleased to announce that the situation was swiftly managed. He noted that the number of protesters was less than 50 and assured the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties, and businesses of Nigerians in Ghana.
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his hospitality, stating that the envoy’s mission was to alleviate tensions in Ghana following the viral video against Nigerians. She mentioned that Nigerians at home were apprehensive about the situation and concerned for the safety of their compatriots in Ghana, along with their properties and businesses.
The minister further explained that the visit aimed to facilitate the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission. She noted that the joint commission would help address youth-related migration issues caused by the large number of unemployed individuals under the age of 45. “We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if it is necessary to migrate, they are to be great ambassadors,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.