Nigeria-Ghana Ties at Risk if River Park Crisis Persists, Group Warns

The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has warned that the lingering River Park Estate dispute in Abuja could threaten the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana if the crisis is not urgently addressed.

The association raised the alarm on Thursday while expressing concern over what it described as sustained actions against Ghanaian investment firm JonahCapital, one of the parties in the protracted ownership dispute surrounding the estate.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, NAGHACON National President, Lukman Tetteh, and General Secretary, Edwards Domfe, said the association’s national leadership had travelled from different parts of Nigeria to assess the situation on the ground and show solidarity with the company.

The delegation visited The Gallery Clubhouse, the estate gatehouse and other facilities belonging to JonahCapital, where it said it observed damage to the company’s property.

According to the association, its findings indicated that while several businesses continue to operate within River Park Estate, JonahCapital appeared to be the only company allegedly facing disruptive actions.

NAGHACON recalled that JonahCapital was previously investigated by the police over allegations of forgery but was later cleared by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The association also referred to an earlier intervention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which reportedly recognised JonahCapital under the Development Lease Agreement before the dispute resurfaced after the FCT Minister declared the agreement expired.

It noted that JonahCapital has challenged the minister’s position in court and insisted that all parties should allow the judicial process to run its course without interference.

Nigeria-Ghana Ties at Risk if River Park Crisis Persists, Group Warns

The group warned that actions capable of undermining ongoing court proceedings could create avoidable diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and Ghana, particularly given the company’s Ghanaian ownership.

Drawing comparisons with xenophobic attacks recorded in South Africa, NAGHACON cautioned against allowing a commercial dispute to escalate into an issue capable of affecting the safety of foreign nationals and bilateral relations.
It therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghanaian President John Mahama to intervene by ensuring the safety of Ghanaians connected to the company, protecting investments and allowing the courts to determine the dispute.
The association said prompt intervention by both governments would help preserve the enduring friendship and economic partnership between Nigeria and Ghana.

The appeal comes amid reports of an operation involving armed policemen allegedly attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force at River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.

Nigeria-Ghana Ties at Risk if River Park Crisis Persists, Group Warns

The officers were reportedly seen escorting a group of men to The Gallery Clubhouse, a facility owned by JonahCapital, where part of the entrance was allegedly excavated during the operation.

JonahCapital has condemned the incident as an unlawful invasion of its property and called for a thorough investigation as the legal battle over the ownership and control of River Park Estate continues.