No room for xenophobia – Mahama quells Anti-Nigerian tensions
Ghana-Nigeria Ties Unshaken as Mahama Reaffirms ECOWAS Commitment
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has given firm assurances to Nigerians living in Ghana, stating that they are safe and welcome, and that xenophobia has no place in Ghanaian society.
Speaking in response to recent tensions and anti-Nigerian sentiment triggered by a misleading 10-year-old video circulating on social media, President Mahama described the protests as "isolated incidents" involving only a handful of individuals. He confirmed that the situation had been swiftly brought under control by security authorities.
“There is no place for xenophobia in Ghana,” Mahama declared. “We remain fully committed to the ECOWAS protocols that guarantee the rights, safety, and freedom of movement of all West African citizens, including our Nigerian brothers and sisters.”
The President urged Nigerians residing in Ghana not to be alarmed by the recent events, emphasising the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He referred to Ghana and Nigeria as “brother nations” bound by history, culture, trade, and shared regional aspirations.
“Our bond with Nigeria goes beyond politics,” Mahama noted. “We have supported each other through difficult times and celebrated triumphs together. It is important to remember this unity and not allow isolated incidents to disrupt our collective progress.”
Mahama’s remarks aim to quell growing concerns among the Nigerian community in Ghana and to reinforce Ghana’s stance as a tolerant and hospitable nation within the West African bloc. His comments have been widely welcomed by diplomatic observers, civil society, and members of the ECOWAS community.
The ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) framework allows citizens of member states to live, work, and travel freely across borders. Mahama’s reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to these principles sends a strong message of regional solidarity at a time when tensions fuelled by misinformation can easily escalate.
Nigerian community leaders in Ghana have also welcomed the President’s reassurances, calling for calm and unity. They urged members of the public to verify information before reacting and called on social media platforms to help combat the spread of harmful, outdated content.
President Mahama concluded by encouraging continued cooperation between Ghanaians and Nigerians, particularly in areas of trade, education, and culture, to strengthen the already robust ties that define the relationship between the two nations.
