By Zobia Zulfqar 
The leadership of the All Nigerian Community in Ghana has met with Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak to discuss security, community welfare, and ways to strengthen cooperation between the Nigerian community and the Government of Ghana.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s office in Accra, was led by the President of the All Nigerian Community in Ghana, Chief Dr. Bayo Asaolu. Discussions focused on issues affecting Nigerians living in Ghana and explored opportunities for closer collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior on matters of security, integration, and bilateral relations.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, describing the two countries as closely connected by history, culture, and shared economic interests.
According to the Minister, the relationship between the two West African nations extends far beyond their geographical borders.
“Ghana and Nigeria are one people divided only by geographical boundaries,” he told the delegation, highlighting the deep ties that continue to unite citizens of both countries.
Hon. Muntaka assured the visiting delegation that the Ministry remains committed to maintaining an open-door policy and would carefully consider the concerns presented during the meeting.
“Our doors remain open,” the Minister said, adding that the government is prepared to work with the Nigerian community to ensure its members continue to live peacefully and safely in Ghana.
He noted that foreign nationals make valuable contributions to Ghana’s economy and society but stressed that all residents must respect and operate within the country’s laws.
The Interior Minister encouraged continuous engagement between the government and foreign communities, explaining that regular dialogue provides the best platform for resolving challenges before they escalate.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among all communities living in Ghana while strengthening national security.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Dr. Bayo Asaolu thanked the Minister for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss issues affecting Nigerians residing in Ghana.
He expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s willingness to engage with the Nigerian community and said members remain committed to contributing positively to Ghana’s development.
The community leader also welcomed the government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation on issues relating to security, community welfare, and social integration.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Ministry and the Nigerian community would help address concerns affecting residents while promoting stronger relations between the two neighboring countries.
The meeting reflects the close diplomatic and people-to-people relationship that has existed between Ghana and Nigeria for decades.
Thousands of Nigerians live, work, study, and operate businesses across Ghana, contributing to sectors including commerce, education, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services.
Similarly, many Ghanaians reside and conduct business in Nigeria, reinforcing the strong economic and cultural partnership between the two countries.
Government officials say maintaining regular engagement with foreign communities forms an important part of promoting national security, peaceful coexistence, and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Interior Ministry has indicated that it will continue working with community leaders and relevant stakeholders to address concerns affecting foreign nationals while ensuring that Ghana remains a peaceful and welcoming destination for all law-abiding residents.