Ghana has formally petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to investigate and intervene in the alleged interference and harassment of Ghanaian-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.
The petition was presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 10 to 12, 2025. Addressing the Council, Mr. Ablakwa raised serious concerns over the treatment meted out to Ghanaian investors by Nigerian authorities.
He particularly highlighted the case of Jonah Capital PLC, a real estate company owned by prominent Ghanaian businessman Sir Sam Jonah, describing the actions as harassment that could strain bilateral relations.
The Minister formally submitted a petition on behalf of the affected company, urging ECOWAS to act swiftly to prevent the escalation of the issue into a broader cross-border trade dispute between the two nations.
The Council acknowledged the concerns raised by Ghana and requested additional information on the matter for further deliberation.
The petition stems from a nearly year-long ownership dispute involving the multi-billion-naira River Park Estate in Abuja, which has evolved into a major corporate crisis.
Allegations have surfaced that Ghanaian-owned companies in Nigeria, including JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, have faced extraordinary corporate expropriation.
At the heart of the controversy is Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Registrar-General of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Reports indicate that Magaji, through the CAC, allegedly approved the reassignment and expropriation of shares belonging to the Ghanaian-linked companies, despite ongoing court proceedings and a directive from Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation.
The alleged actions reportedly included altering shareholding structures, expunging public records, removing duly appointed directors, and reinstating former ones, moves said to have occurred even after the CAC was served with court processes on November 28, 2025.
The matter has also attracted attention within Nigeria, with petitions filed before the country’s National Assembly and other institutions. Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment has been petitioned but has yet to respond publicly, raising further concerns among investors.
With ECOWAS now seized of the issue and scrutiny intensifying on the CAC, observers warn that the outcome could impact economic and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, two key allies in West Africa. Ghanaian authorities emphasise the need for fair treatment of investors under ECOWAS protocols to safeguard regional trade and investment.