The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has allayed fears over recent viral videos showing protests in Ghana calling for Nigerians to leave the country.
In a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister, Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm, described the situation in Ghana as calm and under control.
The Minister, who is on a fact-finding mission to Ghana as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special envoy, addressed the media in Accra after a joint press briefing with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa.
“We are here in the Republic of Ghana on a fact-finding mission as a result of recent disturbances making the rounds in Nigeria. The government and the people of Nigeria have been concerned with the widespread protests in Ghana, but since our arrival, there have been no signs of unrest,” she stated.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and quick response to the issue. She reiterated the strong bilateral ties between both countries and called for caution against inciting rhetoric, warning that misinformation could damage long-standing relationships.
“We want to reiterate that Nigeria and Ghana have long been partners. The inciting videos are capable of inflaming nations within a short time. Our government, National Assembly, traditional institutions, and citizens have all expressed concern, and we are here to ensure that Nigerians in Ghana are safe,” she added.
The Minister further noted the importance of institutionalizing the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to foster stronger collaboration, particularly at the citizen-to-citizen level.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Ablakwa, also addressed the concerns, stating that the government had engaged leaders of the Nigerian community and was committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, both citizens and foreigners.
While warning against criminal acts that could strain bilateral ties, he emphasized the need for both countries to learn from history and avoid repeating events such as Ghana’s Aliens Repatriation Order and Nigeria’s 1983 “Ghana Must Go” deportations.
He said, “We are very conscious of our shared history and the need to prevent the reoccurrence of past diplomatic incidents. Ghana and Nigeria are bound by blood, culture, and heritage. We must work together to preserve our Pan-African unity.”
Accompanying Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu on the mission were Amb. Regina Ocheni (Director, Africa Affairs Department), Amb. Innocent Iwejuo (Director, Office of the Minister of State), and Mr. Ajuluchukwu Eze (Special Assistant, Administration).
