The High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ghana, Commissioner Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, said Ghana and Nigeria should continue to work closely to ensure safe and secured environments for their citizens. He made this remark during his maiden visit to The Square. He seized the opportunity to commend the government of Ghana for providing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with the necessary equipment needed for its work.

Commissioner Ibas further mentioned that, he will build on the existing brotherly relationship between Ghana and Nigeria since the two countries have issues of mutual interest. This, he said, included collaboration in fighting piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, human trafficking, smuggling of arms and terrorism.

The High Commissioner noted that although relations at the retail-trade level had experienced some disputes, the needed attention towards the resolution was being given. He informed the Minister of his constant encouragement to his Nigerian citizens living in Ghana to be law abiding.

The Minister for Defence, Hon Nitiwul, on his part, welcomed the Commissioner to the Ministry and acknowledged that, Ghana and Nigeria face similar challenges such as terrorism, maritime insecurity, smuggling of arms and other petty crimes.

He further stated that the Government of Ghana was working together with the GAF to ensure that terrorism especially in the northern part of the country was resolved.  Some of the measures included the new project called “Accra Initiative” which seeks to fight terrorism with the provision of adequate arms and positioning of troops at the various borders and coastal areas; and also, the provision of social amenities to the communities as a way of discouraging them from participating in such crimes.

Hon Nitiwul assured the Commissioner of Ghana’s commitment in working with Nigeria to curb the disturbances in the region. The visit was commemorated with a plaque presented to the Ambassador by Hon Dominic Nitiwul.

In attendance were the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Evans A Dzikum, Principal General Staff Officer, some senior staff members and the delegation from the Nigeria High Commission.