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The President of Ghana, John Mahama, has assured Nigerians that they remain safe and welcome in Ghana, saying the country has no place for xenophobia. This message came after a recent protest by some Ghanaians who accused Nigerians living in the country of crime and social vices.
President Mahama made this known when he received Nigeria’s special envoy led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra. He urged the delegation to tell President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to lose sleep over the incident.
His words were clear and reassuring: “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 explained that the protest, which went viral on social media, was largely fuelled by the recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian over a decade ago. According to him, the crowd involved in the protest was not more than 50 people, and the matter has already been handled with maturity and speed.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols, especially the free movement of people and goods across the region. “I assure the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana,” he added.
Recently, a group of Ghanaians staged a protest holding placards with messages like “Nigeria must go,” “Our health is at risk due to mass prostitution,” and “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop.” The video caused serious reactions online, especially among Nigerian communities abroad.
However, President Mahama’s message appears to have calmed rising tension, especially among Nigerians who felt threatened by the anti-foreigner sentiment. His emphasis on shared history between the two countries touched on the deep bond and long-standing partnership Nigeria and Ghana have enjoyed over the years.
In a region where xenophobic attacks have erupted in the past, especially in parts of Southern Africa, Mahama’s message is a timely reminder that unity, dialogue, and mutual respect are the only way forward for West Africa.
For now, the storm seems to have passed. But for many Nigerians living abroad, the fear of rejection often lingers — especially when home is far away, and the only thing they have is hope.
