By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, Nigeria. Nigeria and Ghana have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnership as Ghana marked its 69th Independence Anniversary in Abuja.
Speaking at the celebration, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who was represented by the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wahab Akande, congratulated Ghana on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria.
He described Ghana as a “great brotherly nation,” noting that the relationship between both countries goes beyond geographical proximity and is deeply rooted in shared history, cultural affinity, and economic cooperation.
According to him, the ties between Nigeria and Ghana have endured for decades, strengthened by commerce, migration, education, and family connections that link citizens from cities such as Lagos and Kano to Accra and Kumasi.
The minister also acknowledged the historic roles both countries played in Africa’s struggle for independence, particularly the leadership of Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, in the decolonisation movement across the continent.
He noted that Nigeria and Ghana remain founding members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and continue to work together to advance regional integration, peacekeeping, democratic governance, and economic development.
The Nigerian government also highlighted growing economic cooperation between both countries, driven by increasing trade volumes and private sector engagement.
According to him, Nigerian businesses including banks, insurance firms, and telecommunications companies have established a strong presence in Ghana, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Bilateral investments between the two countries span several sectors including aviation, oil and gas, banking and finance, telecommunications, and other areas of economic activity.
Beyond economic cooperation, the minister noted that Nigeria and Ghana maintain close collaboration in socio-cultural and educational exchanges.
He recalled Ghana’s participation in the historic Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) hosted by Nigeria in 1977, as well as the cultural and educational cooperation agreement signed between both nations in 1989.
The long-standing educational ties between the two countries were also highlighted, with many Nigerian students studying in Ghanaian universities and Ghanaian teachers having historically contributed to Nigeria’s education sector in earlier decades.
In her remarks, the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana to Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Gladys M. Y. Feddy Akyea described Nigeria as one of Ghana’s most important diplomatic partners.
She said relations between the two countries have remained strong since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1960, supported by shared political values, economic cooperation, and strong people-to-people relations.
According to her, both nations continue to champion regional integration through ECOWAS, while exploring new economic opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
She noted that Ghana proudly hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, describing the initiative as a key step toward expanding intra-African trade, promoting industrialisation, and creating new opportunities for African businesses.
The Acting High Commissioner also commended the Ghanaian diaspora and business communities in both countries for their contributions to economic growth, innovation, and cross-border investment.
She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, improving the regulatory environment, and encouraging investor confidence.
“Ghana remains open for business,” she said, adding that the country is working to position itself competitively within Africa and the global economy.
The diplomat further highlighted Ghana’s continental engagement, noting that the country continues to advocate for global justice and equity, including ongoing discussions around reparations and fair economic systems for African nations.
She also expressed appreciation to ECOWAS member states for endorsing Ghana as the bloc’s sole candidate for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission in 2027, describing the endorsement as recognition of Ghana’s contributions to regional peace, diplomacy, and institutional leadership.
