Leaders reaffirm Ghana-Nigeria ties, urge greater collaboration

4d ago | Source: Martin-Luther C. King

Mr. Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, Mr. Ayariga's representative reading Ayariga's speech

Against the latest wave of misunderstanding between Ghanaians and Nigerians especially on the internet as well as demonstrations by sections of the Ghanaian public calling for the expulsion of Nigerians from Ghana, leaders from both countries recently reaffirmed at the 10th Ghana-Nigeria Leadership Summit/Achievers Award the historic ties binding the two countries and renewed calls for collaboration between both nations as Africa journeys toward regional integration and sustainable development.

Held in Abuja, under the theme 'Bridging Borders, Rewarding Excellence: Sustaining the Diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Nigeria', the eventSlide clips to delete themhttps://breezynewsnigeria.com/leaders-renew-calls-for-ghana-nigeria-collaboration/https://breezynewsnigeria.com/leaders-renew-calls-for-ghana-nigeria-collaboration/, organized by the Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Award, an Accra-based organization, celebrated individuals who have contributed to the relationship between the two countries and featured notable guests like the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Greater Accra Regional Minister Mrs Linda Obenewaa Ocloo.

The Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards is an annual event dedicated to recognizing individuals and institutions from both nations who have made remarkable contributions to society and enhanced bilateral ties between the two West African neighbours. The 10th edition brought together high-profile participants from across the continent and beyond, underscoring the deep cultural, economic, and political bonds between Ghana and Nigeria.
The event was organized by the Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards (GNAA), with support by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, and various other entities.

Keynote address was presented by Dr. Nana Tenewa Asamoah, Ghana's acting high commissioner to Nigeria while the majority leader of Ghana's parliament Mr. Mahama Ayariga gave a lecture on the 'Role of Parliament in Ensuring Open Borders as Path to Africa's Prosperity'.

Ayariga's lecture highlighted the pivotal role parliaments play in strengthening democratic governance and fostering regional integration, and emphasized that a borderless Africa, anchored on collaboration and mutual trust, is key to unlocking the continent's vast potential in trade, security, and development.
He said both Ghana and Nigeria, as influential nations in West Africa, bear a unique responsibility in championing the ideals of Pan-Africanism stressing that strong parliamentary leadership, coupled with citizen participation, can provide the pathway toward a truly united and prosperous Africa.

Ayariga was represented at the event by Mr. Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, member of Ghana's parliament for the Zebilla constituency.
Ghana's acting high commissioner to Nigeria, Nana Tenewa Asamoah, emphasized fostering closer collaboration between the two countries in areas like education, science, technology, and innovation to boost economic activity and improve regional integration. She highlighted the importance of a peaceful coexistence for citizens of both nations and underscored the need to promote cultural cooperation and reward excellence through initiatives like the summit.

Asamoah stressed the importance of fostering closer collaboration in economic sectors, not just through cultural exchange, and called for stronger cooperation in education, science, and technology to leverage innovation and improve economic activities between the two countries.

Framing the Ghana-Nigeria relationship as a crucial engine for the economic integration and development of West Africa as a whole, she emphasized that every Nigerian in Ghana and every Ghanaian in Nigeria should feel safe, without fear of attack, intimidation, or discrimination.
Special guest at the event was Dr. Mrs Glora Diri, First Lady Bayelsa State, south-south region of Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, organizer of the event Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim's said the awards seeks to to recognize the exceptional individuals who are making a significant impact across various sectors and to celebrate their achievements while they are still alife, ensuring their hard work is acknowledged and they are remembered for their contributions.

But beyond that, the GNAA was working on long-term initiatives, such as establishing a Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Center to empower the next generation and reduce dependency on government jobs.

'' This summit is not just about acknowledging past successes, but also about investing in the future of both Ghana and Nigeria. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from governments, institutions, and individuals. We call on all of you to continue this journey with us, as our work is an ongoing effort to strengthen our shared future. Let us celebrate this milestone together, building on the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria,'' he stated.

Distinguished individuals were honored at the event for their excellence in various fields, including business, law, and humanitarian work.
They included Hon. Mahama Ayariga, majority leader of the Ghana Parliament, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs Alisa Osei Asamoah, CEO of Riali Consult, Barr. Dr. Tina Ohaa, founder of Tynachiomaa Charitable Foundation, Chief Samuel Chukwuma Orakoosim, CEO of Samchuks Global Ghana Ltd, Hon. Rita Orji, a member of Nigeria's 8th National Assembly House of Representatives, among others.