Ghana and Nigeria have reaffirmed their longstanding and cordial relations following high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing recent tensions sparked by inflammatory remarks made by a Nigerian community leader residing in Ghana.
A high-level Nigerian delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, arrived in Accra this week on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage Ghanaian officials over recent diplomatic concerns.
The visit follows widespread controversy triggered by viral remarks allegedly made by an Igbo community leader in Ghana, suggesting the establishment of an “Igbo Kingdom.” The comments provoked public backlash, social media agitation, street demonstrations, and calls for mass deportation of Nigerians.
In response, both nations held a series of strategic meetings, including a private session, and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and shared historical ties.
“The message, in short, would be that there is no cause for alarm. The situation is being handled quite effectively”
At a press conference in Accra, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appealed for calm and urged citizens to rise above past grievances.
“We are conscious of that history, which should guide all of us, that if these things are not managed well, it could take us back to certain dark occurrences in our history,” he said.
“That is why we have been demonstrating a lot of maturity and asking that we douse the flames, we show compassion, we should remember that we are one people.”
He further disclosed that both countries had agreed to enhance “community-to-community engagement” to promote mutual understanding, citing Ghana’s pivotal role in championing Pan-African unity.
Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu echoed these sentiments, commending Ghanaian authorities for their swift and measured response to the situation. She emphasized that Nigerians in Ghana are not under threat.
“I came and I saw with my own two eyes that no tires were burning on the streets and people with placards everywhere urging Nigerians to be deported,” she remarked.
“President Mahama and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are like brothers. Of course, Nigerians were in a very festive mood during the inauguration ceremony of President Mahama.
Our president was here for the occasion, and he gave a very, very impassioned speech, which speaks to the special bond that exists between these two gentlemen, and by extension, the bonds that exist between Ghanaians and Nigerians.”
She concluded by stressing the importance of continued dialogue among stakeholders to prevent future tensions and to strengthen the diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu also noted that approximately 500,000 Ghanaians reside in Nigeria and assured that their safety and well-being remain a priority for the Nigerian government.
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