The Concerned Citizens of Ghana have called on the Government of Ghana to engage Nigerian authorities over what they describe as the unfair treatment of Ghanaian owned investment firm Jonah Capital and its flagship River Park Estate project in Abuja.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, July 16, Convener of the group, James Clark, expressed concern over reports that armed security personnel allegedly entered River Park Estate following the reported revocation of the company’s Development Lease Agreement by Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration.
According to the group, the operation reportedly involved armed police officers and led to damage at the Gallery Clubhouse within the estate, raising concerns about the safety of the company’s staff and assets.
The Concerned Citizens said the latest developments come despite an earlier intervention by Nigeria’s Attorney-General, who, after an independent review, reportedly found no prima facie evidence to support criminal forgery allegations previously brought against officials of Jonah Capital.
The group noted that the Attorney-General affirmed an earlier Special Investigation Panel report, criticized attempts to criminalize what it described as a commercial dispute, and directed that the criminal case against the company’s officials be terminated. The charges were subsequently struck out by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in January 2026.
The Concerned Citizens further argued that the dispute over the Development Lease Agreement is currently before an international arbitration process, insisting that all parties should allow the legal process to determine the outcome instead of resorting to enforcement actions.
The group also recalled previous controversies involving the company, including disputes over its shareholding structure and investigations into its executives, saying these developments have created uncertainty for Ghanaian investments in Nigeria.
Drawing comparisons with Ghana’s treatment of Nigerian businesses, the group said several Nigerian-owned companies continue to operate successfully in Ghana without interference. It also referenced Ghana’s response to the 2020 demolition of a building at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, when authorities condemned the incident, arrested the suspect and undertook reconstruction works.
According to the group, the current situation raises broader concerns about investor confidence and the protection of cross-border investments within the ECOWAS region, particularly at a time when regional leaders are promoting economic integration and the free movement of people and businesses.
The Concerned Citizens stressed that they are not seeking immunity for Ghanaian businesses operating abroad but are calling for due process, fairness and respect for the rights of Ghanaian investors.
The group appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to formally engage the Government of Nigeria on the matter. It also urged Nigerian authorities to suspend all enforcement actions at River Park Estate, ensure the safety of those connected to the estate, and allow the ongoing arbitration and judicial proceedings to continue without interference.
The Concerned Citizens concluded by expressing hope that both Ghana and Nigeria would resolve the matter through dialogue and the rule of law, emphasizing that strong bilateral relations should be built on fairness, mutual respect and the protection of legitimate investments.
