President John Mahama of Ghana has assured Nigerians that his country remains firmly against any form of xenophobia, pledging to uphold regional unity and cooperation under the ECOWAS framework.

Speaking in Accra during a courtesy visit by a Nigerian delegation led by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Ghanaian leader emphasized the longstanding brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria. He urged President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians not to be alarmed by recent protests allegedly targeting Nigerian nationals, describing the demonstrations as isolated and exaggerated incidents.

“Let President Tinubu know there’s no need for concern. Ghana and Nigeria are intertwined by history and kinship, no protest will divide us,” Mahama said.

According to him, the protests, sparked by a resurfaced decade-old video from a Nigerian resident, involved fewer than 50 people and were quickly brought under control. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to protecting the lives, businesses, and properties of Nigerians within its borders.

In response, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu thanked the Ghanaian president for his warm reception and reassurances. She explained that the visit was meant to calm rising tensions back in Nigeria, where the viral video had triggered widespread concern about the safety of citizens in Ghana.

She also noted that the delegation’s mission included discussions around establishing a Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, a platform aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing migration issues, especially among young people.

“We want to create opportunities at home, but for those who must migrate, they should do so with the pride of being worthy ambassadors of Nigeria,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The meeting comes amid efforts by both countries to reinforce diplomatic relations and prevent misinformation from undermining regional harmony.