Nigeria and Ghana have agreed to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation to confront the growing wave of Afrophobic protests and violence targeting African nationals across the continent, particularly in South Africa.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the sidelines of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Friday.
This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Both ministers expressed deep concern over the resurgence of Afrophobic sentiments, warning that such actions undermine African unity, regional integration, and the principle of free movement of persons as enshrined in the African Union framework and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the long-standing relations between Nigeria and Ghana, stressing the importance of preventive diplomacy and sustained strategic consultations to address emerging tensions before they escalate. He also conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, while acknowledging Ghana’s leadership in advancing Pan-Africanism and reparative justice for historical injustices.
In his response, Ablakwa congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment and emphasized the need for practical, action-driven diplomacy anchored on strong communication between African states. He also appreciated Nigeria’s support for the United Nations resolution on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and ongoing global efforts toward reparative justice.
The ministers jointly condemned all forms of xenophobia, Afrophobia, and violence against African migrants, describing such acts as contrary to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and collective continental progress. They stressed that while criminal elements must be addressed within the rule of law, no individual should be subjected to mob violence or discrimination.
To address the issue, both countries agreed to push for the inclusion of Afrophobia on the agenda of the next African Union Summit and to collaborate with other member states in developing stronger preventive mechanisms, including early warning systems and coordinated responses.
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The meeting also reaffirmed the enduring fraternal ties between Nigeria and Ghana, with both sides calling on African Union member states to recommit to mutual respect, tolerance, and sustained public education to counter prejudice and promote peaceful coexistence.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and other multilateral platforms toward building a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
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