Viral Protest: “We’ll never turn against Nigerians” – Ghana’s President Mahama to Tinubu

Ghana’s President John Mahama has assured Nigerians that they have nothing to fear in Ghana despite the recent viral protest targeting Nigerian nationals.

In a statement released on Friday, Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, especially the free movement of persons and goods across the region.

He gave this assurance while receiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.

“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep over the recent protests. Nigeria and Ghana are brothers with a shared history, and we won’t allow anything to come between us,” Mahama said, adding that “No room xenophobia in Ghana.”

He clarified that the protest was minor and involved fewer than 50 individuals, adding that an old video posted by a Nigerian resident in Ghana over a decade ago was what stirred unnecessary tension.

Mahama emphasized that the situation had been promptly and effectively managed, and he assured the Nigerian envoy of the safety of Nigerian citizens, their businesses, and properties in Ghana.

On her part, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu appreciated the Ghanaian president for his warm hospitality.

She explained that the mission of the special envoy was to calm tensions following the spread of the viral video and ensure the safety of Nigerians living in Ghana.

She also highlighted plans to establish a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to strengthen bilateral relations and address youth migration concerns.

“We are encouraging our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if they must migrate, they should be good ambassadors,” she said.