In a remarkable show of regional solidarity and renewed diplomatic engagement, Her Excellency Ms. Mavis Esi Kusorgbor, Ghana’s Ambassador to Angola, paid a high-level courtesy visit to Ambassador Dr. Chris Nwanoro, MFR, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Nigeria in São Tomé and Príncipe, on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The meeting, which took place at the Nigerian Embassy in São Tomé’s capital, further underlined the shared commitment of Nigeria and Ghana to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing unity across West Africa and the African continent at large.
Ambassador Nwanoro, a seasoned diplomat and one of Africa’s most prominent voices on disability rights and African integration, welcomed the Ghanaian envoy with warmth and statesmanship. The atmosphere of the meeting exuded mutual respect, shared heritage, and a collective vision for the future of the sub-region.
🤝 A Renewed Chapter in Nigeria-Ghana Relations
During the closed-door discussion, both ambassadors reaffirmed their countries’ historic and strategic ties, which span culture, education, trade, peacekeeping, and diplomacy. They explored new areas of partnership in economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, youth development, and cultural exchange.
Ambassador Kusorgbor described Nigeria as a “pillar in West African diplomacy”, emphasizing the need for Ghana and Nigeria to continue to act as anchors of stability, democracy, and development in the region. She commended Ambassador Nwanoro’s visionary leadership and expressed admiration for his advocacy on inclusion and unity.
In his remarks, Dr. Nwanoro thanked the Ghanaian Ambassador for her visit and conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to African solidarity. He noted that both nations are uniquely positioned to champion the cause of African unity and prosperity, not only through policy but also through people-to-people diplomacy.
✨ Symbolism of Inclusion: A Handshake Beyond Diplomacy
One of the most profound moments of the visit came at the end of their discussions, when Ambassador Nwanoro—who is blind—extended a symbolic handshake to Ambassador Kusorgbor. The image of both diplomats—leaders in their own right—shaking hands radiated more than formality; it captured hope, diversity, resilience, and inclusive leadership in African diplomacy.
Their friendly engagement was followed by a brief photo session, capturing what many have described as a powerful image of unity, respect, and mutual ambition. The visit was widely praised by diplomatic staff, members of the African community in São Tomé, and observers of African regional affairs.
🌍 Driving African Unity Through Collaboration
Beyond bilateral matters, the meeting touched on broader African goals, including:
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and how both countries can leverage it for inclusive economic growth.
- Strengthening ECOWAS as a vehicle for democratic governance and security.
- Promoting the rights of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, youth, and women.
- Enhancing South-South cooperation and intra-African diplomacy.
Both ambassadors agreed on the need to move beyond rhetoric to action, especially in light of current challenges facing the continent, such as political instability, inequality, and climate vulnerability.
🕊️ A Vision for the Future
Ambassador Nwanoro’s leadership has been particularly lauded in recent years for bringing a human rights and inclusion-focused lens to diplomacy. As one of Africa’s few blind diplomats, he has used his platform to not only represent Nigeria but also to advocate globally for disability rights, inclusive governance, and unity across diversity.
Ambassador Kusorgbor’s visit is thus seen not only as a diplomatic engagement but also as a validation of the role inclusive leadership plays in shaping Africa’s diplomatic future.
This visit signals a renewed bond between two of West Africa’s most influential nations, and offers a hopeful reminder that through collaboration, shared vision, and inclusive diplomacy, Africa can chart a course toward a stronger, united, and more prosperous future.
