At the 4th African Heritage Awards in Accra, former Ghana President John Mahama described Nigeria as a key security interest for Ghana, emphasizing strong cultural ties, regional stability, and Africa’s need to rethink resource management and development strategies.
Accra — African Heritage Awards Highlight Regional Unity
Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has described Nigeria as a critical security interest for Ghana and the wider African diaspora, emphasizing the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between both nations.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 4th African Heritage Awards in Accra, Mahama said Nigeria and Ghana are “twins of the same mother,” noting that their relationship goes beyond diplomacy into shared ancestry and identity.
He joked that the only recurring disputes between the two West African giants are over Jollof rice and football rivalry, a lighthearted remark that drew attention to their long-standing cultural competition.
Nigeria-Ghana Relations: “Twins of the Same Mother”
Mahama highlighted the strong connection between both countries, stating that many Ghanaians trace their ancestry back to Nigeria, particularly Yoruba communities.
According to him, this shared heritage makes Nigeria’s stability vital not only to Ghana but to the entire West African region.
He warned that instability in Nigeria could create ripple effects across neighboring countries, including migration pressure and economic strain.
“If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well… when you have 250 million cousins, you want them to do well so that they don’t drift towards a small country like Ghana,” Mahama said.
Mahama Calls for African Economic Transformation
Beyond regional relations, Mahama used the platform to call for a shift in Africa’s economic strategy, especially in how the continent manages natural resources and foreign investment.
He noted that global systems are changing, with countries reducing humanitarian aid and focusing more on defence spending.
Mahama urged African nations to become more self-reliant by leveraging their natural resources such as oil, gas, gold, and lithium.
He criticized long-standing arrangements where foreign companies benefit disproportionately while local communities remain underdeveloped.
“Africa cannot sit with a cup in hand and go begging,” he said, stressing the need for fairer resource control and local development.
AfCFTA and Africa’s Future
Mahama also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a positive step toward economic integration.
Despite early challenges, he said intra-African trade is already increasing and could unlock significant prosperity if properly managed.
He emphasized that leadership, unity, and effective use of Africa’s human capital will determine the continent’s future success.
African Heritage Awards Recognition
The event also honored former African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to African development.
Conclusively, Mahama’s remarks reflect growing calls for African unity, stronger regional cooperation, and reduced dependence on external aid. His comments reinforce the strategic importance of Nigeria-Ghana relations in shaping West Africa’s stability and economic future.