Elements of Cooperation and Collaboration in Nigeria-Ghana Relations in Contemporary Times, 1960-1999.

Abstract

Some previous works on Nigeria-Ghana relations emphasize elements of rivalry, antagonism and disharmony as major themes permeating relations between both countries. This present study, however, contends that relations between both countries have not been as antagonistic as earlier reported.  As a matter of fact, available records at the disposal of this study reveal that apart from some periods of diplomatic conflicts, especially in the early years of their relations (1960-1966) caused largely by inter-personal clashes between the leadership of both countries in the immediate post-independence period, and the expulsion sagas of 1969, 1983 and 1985; both countries have lived in harmony with various instances of accord, cooperation and collaboration on matters of mutual interests.  Given the above observation, this study seeks to reconstruct the history of Nigeria-Ghana relations by emphasizing some elements of cooperation and collaboration in their relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries at large between 1960 and 1999.