President of Ghana, John Mahama has given assurances on the safety of Nigerians residing in Ghana, stating that there is no place for xenophobia in the country.
Her Excellency, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s envoy to Ghana, shared details of the meeting with President Mahama.
“It was an engaging session with the President of Ghana H.E John Dramani Mahama to convey the concerns of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria over the protests against Nigerian nationals in Ghana,” She said in a statement shared on her Instagram handle on Friday, August 1.
The statement shared by the ambassador quoted Mahama saying, “Convey to my brother, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Ghanaians are peace loving and hospitable people. We share a historic bond with Nigeria. We have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations through the years. Our Government is committed to protecting the lives and properties of all who reside in our country, and we continue to urge all residents to be law abiding.”
A similar statement shared on Friday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister, Magnus Eze, reiterated, “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.
“The recirculation of an old video made by a Nigerian residing in Ghana over 10 years ago actually generated tension, but gladly, the situation was swiftly managed.
“The protesters were not more than 50. I assure the envoy of the safety and protection of the lives, properties and businesses of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana.” The statement quoted the Ghanian President as saying.
A group of Ghanaians had recently staged a protest accusing Nigerians living in Ghana of prostitution and ritual killings.
In a viral video clip of the protest, a large crowd of protesters was seen holding placards with messages such as: “Nigeria must go!”
