Ghana’s President John Mahama has said he hopes Nigeria thrives, stressing that the country’s prosperity is vital for regional stability and could help reduce migration pressure on Ghana.
Speaking at the African Heritage Awards in Accra, Mahama highlighted the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between both West African nations.
“If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” he said, adding that Ghana is directly affected when Nigeria faces economic or security challenges.
He noted that with Nigeria’s large population, estimated at over 200 million people, instability or hardship there often leads to increased migration flows into neighbouring countries like Ghana.
Mahama also pointed to shared ancestry between the two countries, saying many Ghanaians trace their roots to Yoruba kingdoms, reinforcing the deep connections between both nations.
“Ghana and Nigeria are twins of the same mother, except when we fight over Jollof and football,” he joked.
Beyond bilateral relations, the Ghanaian leader used the platform to call for wider economic reforms across Africa, urging governments to rethink how natural resources are managed.
He warned that declining global support and shifting international priorities mean African countries must become more self-reliant and better utilise their resources to drive development.
“We must take advantage of what God has gifted us to create prosperity for our people,” he said, emphasising the need for sustainable growth strategies across the continent.
