The leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, along with members of the Ijaw community in Ghana, paid a courtesy call on the Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ministry to strengthen cultural ties and officially introduce their presence in the country.
Led by representatives of the Ijaw Diaspora in Ghana, the delegation announced the upcoming visit of the INC Worldwide President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, and shared their intention to formally register the Ijaw National Congress as a socio-cultural organization in Ghana.
The group emphasized the historical and cultural connections between the Ijaw people, primarily located along the Niger Delta in Nigeria, and coastal communities in Ghana. Their aim, they noted, is to promote mutual cultural understanding, engage with key institutions, and contribute positively to the Ghanaian socio-cultural space.
Receiving the delegation, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts warmly welcomed the group to Ghana, expressing optimism about the growing cultural engagement between the two nations. He noted the similarities between the Ijaw and certain coastal Ghanaian ethnic groups, such as the Ga and ewe people, and commended the delegation for highlighting these shared cultural traits.
Hon. Jajah also reassured the group of Ghana’s hospitality and peaceful environment, while advising that due diligence will be maintained by security agencies to ensure that all civic activities are aligned with national interests. He cautioned against any form of criminality or misrepresentation that could damage the Congress’s reputation, or the harmony Ghana enjoys.
“It’s refreshing to learn that your West African regional office will be based here in Ghana. We welcome this development, and we are happy to live in peace with all our brothers and sisters from the region,” Hon. Jajah said.
He further emphasized the importance of unity, peaceful co-existence, and lawful operations, encouraging the Ijaw community to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s multicultural society.
Supporting the Deputy Minister to receive the delegation were Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah, Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Jeoffrey Tamakloe, Director of Tourism and Mrs. Efua Kouguah Houadjeto, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku -Publica Relations Unit – MoTCCA
