Ghana President: We Want Nigeria To Do Well So They’ll Stop Coming To Our Country

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has openly called for Nigeria’s economic turnaround, stating that the prosperity of Africa’s most populous nation directly benefits smaller neighbours like Ghana.

Speaking at the African Heritage Awards 2026, Mahama described Nigerians as “cousins” and stressed that their stability prevents large-scale drift into Ghana. “If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” he said. “When you have cousins, 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana.”

The Ghanaian leader revealed he begins each day with a prayer for Nigeria. “Every day I wake up, I pray for Nigeria. I say, God, let Nigeria get their act together,” Mahama added. He also pointed to deep historical ties, noting that many Ghanaians trace their roots to Nigeria, particularly the Yoruba kingdoms.

NaijaChoice News reports that the remarks have sparked fresh debate on Nigeria-Ghana relations within the ECOWAS sub-region. Mahama’s comments come as both countries navigate economic realities that continue to shape migration patterns across West Africa.

For decades, the two nations have shared people, trade and culture. In the 1970s oil boom, thousands of Ghanaians moved to Nigeria in search of jobs. By 1983, Nigeria’s economic downturn led to the mass expulsion of over two million undocumented migrants, many of them Ghanaians — an episode still remembered as “Ghana Must Go.”

Today, the flow has reversed in some respects. Economic pressures in Nigeria, including unemployment and currency challenges, have pushed some citizens toward Ghana, which many view as relatively stable and business-friendly. Official figures show Nigerians form a notable part of Ghana’s immigrant population, though exact recent numbers remain fluid under ECOWAS free-movement rules.

Analysts say Mahama’s statement reflects a practical regional concern rather than hostility. Ghana, with a population of about 34 million, cannot absorb unchecked inflows from its giant neighbour without strain on jobs, housing and services. At the same time, Nigeria’s success would lift the entire sub-region.

The ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons, goods and services remains the backbone of cooperation. Yet leaders on both sides acknowledge that sustainable development at home reduces irregular migration.

Mahama’s words have drawn attention in Nigerian circles. Some see them as an uncomfortable reminder of the need for stronger governance and economic reforms. Others view the prayerful tone as genuine solidarity between brother nations.

As NaijaChoice News continues to track reactions, one thing is clear: the fortunes of Nigeria and Ghana remain tightly linked. What happens in Lagos or Abuja often echoes in Accra — and vice versa.

West African leaders have long preached integration. Mahama’s candid intervention may push the conversation beyond diplomacy to the everyday realities of jobs, security and shared prosperity. For now, many Nigerians are watching to see how the message lands at home.