Chief (Dr.) Bayo Albert Ashaolu, President of the All Nigeria Community (ANC) in Ghana, has expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of the National Identification Authority (NIA) for engaging the Nigerian community in a high-level roundtable discussion in Accra.
According to him, the meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening the longstanding diplomatic and cultural relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
“We sincerely appreciate this opportunity and do not take it for granted.
It is my firm belief that this engagement will yield meaningful outcomes that further cement the historic ties between our two countries,” he said.
Chief Ashaolu noted that the cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria dates back generations and has been sustained by visionary leaders such as Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nigeria’s nationalist leader, Obafemi Awolowo.
He also commended current African leaders, including President John Dramani Mahama, for championing unity across the continent.
“At the grassroots level, we must also contribute to this vision by promoting unity and focusing on what binds us rather than what divides us,” he added.
Highlighting initiatives by the ANC, Chief Ashaolu revealed the introduction of a welfare and identification card for Nigerians living in Ghana.
He explained that the card is designed to enhance security, improve identification, and promote the welfare of Nigerian residents.
“We have observed instances where non-Nigerians falsely claim Nigerian identity.
This card will help us properly identify our people and protect the integrity of our community,” he stated.
He further explained that the initiative would help streamline immigration processes, ensure legal residency, and create a centralized database of Nigerians in Ghana.
This, he noted, would benefit both Ghanaian and Nigerian authorities with accurate data for planning and security purposes.
The ANC President added that the identification system would contribute to reducing crimes such as impersonation, robbery, kidnapping, and human trafficking, while also fostering a safer environment for both Nigerians and their host communities.
Additionally, the welfare card includes access to an insurance policy tailored to the needs of Nigerians in Ghana, reinforcing the association’s commitment to the well-being of its members.
Describing the initiative as timely, Chief Ashaolu announced that the ANC would collaborate closely with authorities on the Ghana Card registration process for Nigerians.
“Going forward, ANC will play a key role in facilitating the registration of Nigerians for the ECOWAS Ghana Card.
We are already intensifying advocacy through our various community and tribal networks across the country,” he said.
He emphasized that stronger Ghana–Nigeria relations would continue to enhance economic cooperation and social integration, noting that citizens of both countries share deep cultural and familial bonds.
“Many of our people are intermarried. We are truly one people, and we must preserve this unity for future generations,” he stressed.
Chief Ashaolu underscored the economic, social, and broader benefits of the Ghana Card initiative, describing the engagement as mutually beneficial for both nations.
“This is a win-win situation for our two countries,” he said.
By 1960news.com
