Ghana, Nigeria reaffirm cultural and diplomatic ties at Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse's Palace

The Nigerian Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, led a high-level delegation on Thursday to the palace of the Overlord of the Ga-Dangme State, Wor Lumor Konor Nuumo Borketey Laweh Tsuru XXXIII (Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse), in Nungua.

The visit, attended by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, and eight senior officials, aimed to deepen diplomatic, cultural, and socio-economic relations and address recent tensions.

Speaking on behalf of the palace, Rev Gyasi-Ankrah highlighted the ancestral links between the Ga-Dangme people and Nigeria, noting that the Nungua people trace their origins to Benin in Nigeria. He praised the visit as both symbolic and timely.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu addressed a recent viral video concerning an alleged Igbo kingdom in Ghana, clarifying that the "Eze Igbo" title is a ceremonial one, common in the diaspora.

She condemned the misinformation and thanked Ghanaian authorities for acting swiftly to ease tensions.

“Nigeria and Ghana share a special relationship under ECOWAS and the ideals of Pan-Africanism,” she said, calling for continued collaboration to uphold peace and regional unity.

In his response, Nuumo Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse welcomed the delegation and underscored the unbreakable bond between both nations.

He recalled the vision of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and praised President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to diplomacy and African integration.

“With over 7 million Ghanaians in Nigeria and 1.4 million Nigerians in Ghana, our ties run deep, we must protect them,” he said.

He also referenced recent joint celebrations of the Nungua Kplejoo Festival as a sign of growing cultural collaboration and welcomed further engagements with Igbo community leaders.

Tetse Nii Bortey Kofi Frankwa II, Oyibi Gonten Mantse and moderator of the meeting, reiterated Nungua's ancient links to Benin City and invited Nigerians to attend the annual Obeneshimo Festival, which commemorates the Ga-Dangme migration from Benin over 800 years ago.

The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to peace, cultural exchange, and Pan-African solidarity.