In a bid to ease recent diplomatic tensions, Ghana and Nigeria have reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and commitment to mutual respect following the fallout from controversial statements made by a Nigerian community leader in Ghana.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Member of Parliament for North Tongu, held a high-level meeting today with Her Excellency Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who was dispatched to Ghana by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a fact-finding and consultation mission.
Ablakwa described the discussions as constructive and cordial, emphasizing that the Nigerian government does not endorse what he terms incendiary remarks made by Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the individual at the center of the controversy.
“It is heartwarming and reassuring to know that the Nigerian government rejects those condemnable pronouncements,” Ablakwa stated.
Both governments underscored their inseparable historical and cultural bonds, pledging that the incident will not be allowed to tarnish the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, his government, and the people of Ghana for their maturity and tolerance, which prevented the situation from escalating. She also assured that Nigerian authorities will continue to guarantee the safety of Ghanaians living in Nigeria.
The reaffirmation of ties comes as both nations look to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation, ensuring that isolated incidents do not derail decades of collaboration and shared history.
