What Grew Nigeria-Ghana Relations After ‘Ghana Must Go’ Saga – Ambassador Kesh

A former Nigeria Consul-General in Atlanta and Georgia, in the United States, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has lauded efforts by President Bola Tinubu and Ghana’s President, John Mahama, to cement the relationship between both countries.

Naijaonpoint reported that President Tinubu attended Mahama’s inauguration on Tuesday. President Mahama had also paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria immediately after his electoral victory in December.

Recall that Nigeria, under former President Shehu Shagari’s government, evicted Ghanaians from the country; the policy was informally titled ‘Ghana Must Go’.

It was, however, a reciprocation to the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghana in 1969 under the Aliens Compliance Order (GACO). The order was enacted by Ghanaian Prime Minister, Kofi Abrefa Busia.

Speaking in an interview with News Central on Wednesday, on how the two countries have built out of previous hostilities, Kesh said economic improvement was responsible.

He noted that both Ghana and Nigeria stand to benefit more from each other through cordial diplomacy.

His words: “Ghana secured independence first before Nigeria, and there were ideological differences initially. But the truth remains that Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gambia are the closest allies of Nigeria on the West African coast, particularly Ghana, for so many reasons. And what we need to realize today is that the relationship is solid, the relationship is cordial in spite of issues, disturbances at the marketplaces. But Ghana is a friend.

“Ghana is also a competitor. I think we need to accept that, not just on the football field, but in almost all areas of development, and we just have to recognize that. And that itself, I think, should consolidate the relationship between the two countries, not just as neighbors, not just as competitors, not just as friends, but the fact that we almost have the same trajectory in terms of our destiny.

“Well, I think it was de-escalated simply because on both sides, the economic situation changed. On the Ghanaian side and both, and on the Nigerian side, what led to the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghana and Ghanians from Nigeria were all due to economic issues, security issues. But over the years, the economies of both countries have changed, both countries have enjoyed some boom in their economies, and that itself has created a new direction and strength and confidence in both countries.”