10 reasons Ghana and Nigeria are the real twins of West Africa ; you can’t separate them

Dorcas Agambila 16:06 - 10 July 2025

Ghana and Nigeria

When it comes to West Africa, Ghana and Nigeria are like the classic pair of siblings who fight, tease, borrow clothes (and music), argue about who makes better jollof rice, and still can’t live without each other.

From music and movies to food and football, these two countries have built a beautifully complicated, competitive, and collaborative relationship that makes them feel more like family than neighbours. The connection between these two countries is more than just diplomatic; it’s cultural, emotional, and deeply Pan-African. Whether it’s who makes better jollof rice or whose artistes dominate the charts, the Ghana–Nigeria bond feels like that of twins, different personalities, same DNA.

Here’s a closer, more detailed look at what makes these two countries the ultimate “twins” of the sub-region.

What bind Ghana And Nigeria

1. Music

Ghana gave the world highlife; Nigeria gave it Afrobeats. Somewhere in between, the two countries built a musical bridge that artistes still cross daily.

Names like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and KiDi have all collaborated with Nigerian acts like Davido, Wizkid, and Omah Lay, resulting in regional chart-toppers.

Even Nigeria’s Burna Boy has openly credited Ghanaian music culture for part of his growth, having lived and recorded in Ghana early in his career.

Today, you’ll find Ghanaian producers working in Lagos and Nigerian artistes headlining shows in Accra. The music flows both ways, effortlessly.

In case you missed it: “Forever (Remix)” by Ghana’s Gyakie and Nigeria’s Omah Lay topped charts in both countries and went viral across the continent.

Gyakie and Omah Lay

2. Jollof Rice

Let’s address the elephant in the kitchen: Who makes better jollof rice?

Ghanaians say theirs has more flavour. Nigerians say theirs has more sauce. The truth? The debate is deliciously unending.

In fact, the jollof rivalry has gone global, appearing in cooking competitions in London, Washington DC, and even on BBC and CNN food segments. Yet behind the memes and trolling, the argument is proof of just how deeply proud both cultures are of their culinary traditions.

Fun fact: Ghanaian jollof was declared winner at the 2019 Jollof Festival in Washington, DC, though Nigeria has never conceded defeat.

Ghana Jollof

3. Movies

The entertainment industry is another zone where the Ghana–Nigeria twinship thrives. Ghana’s Jackie Appiah, Majid Michel, and Van Vicker became Nollywood icons in the 2000s, blurring the lines between the two industries.

Today, Nigerian actors like Jim Iyke, Ini Edo, and Pete Edochie are adored in Ghana as much as local legends. The boundaries are so intertwined that a Ghanaian production can star Nigerian leads and vice versa—and nobody blinks.

Netflix originals, YouTube series, and pan-African telenovelas often feature mixed casts and accents, reflecting just how intertwined the two industries are.

Jackie Appiah

4. Social Media

Whether it’s SDK, Made in Ghana, or Nigeria’s Sabinus and Taaooma, creators from both countries are constantly collaborating, remixing trends and making their way onto Ghanaian and Nigerian timelines alike.

And the humour? Same cloth, different tailor.

From TikTok challenges to Twitter (X) roasts, Ghana and Nigeria are in the same digital WhatsApp group, laughing, clapping back, and occasionally arguing about whose version of a trend is funnier.

A 2023 Kantar survey found Ghana and Nigeria among Africa’s top five countries for TikTok content creation.

Sabinus

5. Football

Ghana vs Nigeria in football is not just a match, it’s a continental event.

When the Black Stars knocked the Super Eagles out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Ghanaians partied into the night. Nigerians? Not so amused.

But behind the fierce competition is deep respect. Many players from both nations play together in European clubs. Ghanaians watch the Nigerian league; Nigerians know Ghanaian stars by name.

It's sibling rivalry, fierce on the pitch, but respectful off it.

Ghana has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 4 times; Nigeria has done it 6 times. But when they meet on the pitch, it’s anyone’s game.

Gh vrs Nig

6. Colonial ties and political curiosity

Both countries were under British colonial rule, leading to shared use of English, similar legal systems, and even the same driving side. Ghana became independent in 1957, Nigeria in 1960. Their post-independence stories feature military coups, charismatic leaders, and democratic comebacks.

Even today, Ghanaians follow Nigerian politics closely. Names like Peter Obi, Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar trend in Ghana almost as often as they do in Abuja.

Likewise, Nigerians are often curious about Ghana’s governance style, especially during high-profile elections or E-Levy debates.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah

7. Education, migration and cross-border hustles

Ghana has long been a preferred destination for Nigerian students seeking stable academic calendars.

According to a 2019 report by Vanguard Nigeria, over 15,000 Nigerians were studying in Ghanaian universities, spending close to $1 billion annually.

At the same time, many Ghanaians live and work in Nigeria, particularly in the oil, entertainment, and media sectors. And in the diaspora,UK, Canada, US, you’ll often find joint Ghana–Naija associations hosting Independence Day parties and cultural expos.

University of Ghana, Legon

8. Fashion, faith, and family culture

From ankara styles to kente-inspired designs, both countries set fashion trends across the continent.

Ghanaian funerals are legendary for their style and pomp; Nigerian weddings are world-famous for their extravagance and guest lists.

In religion, both countries have birthed mega churches and globally known spiritual leaders. Ghanaians watch TB Joshua, Oyedepo, and Adeboye; Nigerians admire Dag Heward-Mills, Mensa Otabil, and Eastwood Anaba.

Even church slogans “It is well”, “I receive it”, “Amen o!” are mutually understood.

Mensa Otabil at Greater Works 2024

9. Trade and business partnerships

Nigeria is one of Ghana’s top five trading partners, accounting for a huge chunk of ECOWAS trade.

Nigerian companies like UBA, Glo, Access Bank, and Dangote Cement operate in Ghana. In return, Ghanaian traders export food, textiles, and services to Nigeria.

There’ve been bumps,like the 2019 Nigerian border closure that affected Ghanaian traders,but the long-term economic bond remains strong.

Market woman

10. A Pan-African power duo

Whether it’s leading ECOWAS peacekeeping missions, mediating in Sahel conflicts, or advocating for African self-reliance, Ghana and Nigeria often align.

Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah and Nigeria’s Nnamdi Azikiwe were both Pan-African visionaries. Their legacies live on through West Africa’s push for economic unity, visa-free travel, and borderless trade.

Both countries supported the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has its secretariat based in Accra.

ECOWAS

Conclusion

Ghana and Nigeria may argue over jollof and football, but they share something rare, mutual respect, deep cultural integration, and a long history of learning from, influencing, and loving each other.

So next time you hear a Ghanaian roasting Nigerians or vice versa, remember: it’s family banter. And like all siblings, they’ll go back to vibing over the same song, watching the same movie, or roasting the same president.

And yes, Ghana jollof still wins.