Amid the ongoing war of words on the internet between Ghanaians and Nigerians as well as demonstrations by sections of the public in Ghana demanding the expulsion of their West African counterparts from the country, leaders from both countries recently reaffirmed the historic ties binding the two countries and renewed calls for collaboration between both nations as Africa journeys toward regional integration and sustainable development.
A the 10th Ghana-Nigeria Leadership Summit/Achievers Award, held in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, under the theme “Bridging Borders, Rewarding Excellence: Sustaining the Diplomatic Relationship Between Ghana and Nigeria”, the event, organised by the Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Award, celebrated individuals for their contributions to the relationship between the two countries. It featured notable guests, including Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, with Dr. (Mrs.) Glora Diri, wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, as the Special Guest.
The Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards (GNAA) is an annual event dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions from both nations who have made remarkable contributions to the 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 organised by the Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Awards (GNAA), with support by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, and various other entities.
Keynote address was presented by acting Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Nana Tenewa Asamoah, while the majority leader of Ghana’s parliament, Hon. 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 emphasised that a borderless Africa, anchored on collaboration and mutual trust, is key to unlocking the continent’s vast potential in trade, security, and development.
Ayariga, who was represented by a member of Ghana’s parliament for the Zebilla constituency, Mr. Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla. said that 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
Ghana’s acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nana Tenewa Asamoah dwelled on fostering closer collaboration between the two countries in areas of 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 the 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 said that every Nigerian in Ghana and every Ghanaian in Nigeria should feel safe, without fear of attack, intimidation, or discrimination.
In his welcome address, organiser of the event, Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim said that the awards seeks to to recognise the exceptional individuals who are making a significant impact across various sectors, and celebrate their achievements while they are still alive, 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 Centre 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 honoured for their excellence in various fields, including business, law, and humanitarian work.
They included the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Ocloo; Founder of Tynachiomaa Charitable Foundation, Barrister Tina Ohaa; CEO Samchuks Global Ghana Limited, Chief Samuel Chukwuma Orakoosim; CEO Riali Consult, Mrs. Alisa Osei Asamoah; a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Rita Orji; Majority Leader of the Ghana parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayaria.
