Ghanaian President John Mahama has underscored the importance of Nigeria’s peace and prosperity to Ghana’s own security, describing the two nations as “twins of the same mother.”
Speaking in Accra as Special Guest of Honour and Chief Host at the 4th African Heritage Awards, he said many Ghanaians trace their roots to Nigeria, particularly to Yoruba kingdoms, which makes developments in Nigeria a matter of “keen security interest” for Ghana.
Mahama joked that the only real friction between the two countries comes from rivalry over Jollof rice and football, stressing that “otherwise, we are the same people.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s population of about 250 million, he explained that Ghana’s prayers for Nigeria’s success stem from both brotherhood and self‑interest, noting that instability could push large numbers of Nigerians toward smaller neighbours like Ghana. He said he wakes up every day praying that Nigeria “gets its act together” because “if Nigeria does well, Ghana does well.”
Beyond bilateral ties, Mahama called for a paradigm shift in how African nations manage investments and natural resources such as gold, lithium, oil and gas, arguing that Africa can no longer sit “with a cup in hand” begging while outsiders reap most of the benefits. He criticised huge concessions to foreign companies that create wealthy enclaves beside poor communities lacking basics like clean water and insisted that “those days are coming to an end.”
The Ghanaian leader pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a positive step, saying intra‑African trade is already increasing despite early “teething problems.” He expressed confidence that with good leadership, unity and the continent’s intellectual capital, Africa can create prosperity and dignity for its people.
Mahama concluded that proper leadership across Africa, combined with cooperation among countries such as Nigeria and Ghana, can transform lives on the continent. The event also honoured former African Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina with an African Lifetime Achievement Award.
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