Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has raised an urgent alarm over what it describes as the systematic targeting of a Ghanaian-owned investment firm at the River Park Estate in Abuja, warning that the escalating actions could strain diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Ghana if left unchecked. The association, representing Ghanaian citizens across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, staged a protest on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President John Mahama of Ghana to intervene diplomatically, ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals, and allow the judicial process to take its course.
At a press conference held ahead of the protest, the leadership of NAGHACON expressed deep concern over ongoing structural disruptions and safety concerns allegedly targeting JonahCapital, a prominent Ghanaian investment firm at the River Park Estate, one of Abuja's largest residential developments. The association's executive committee, led by National President Lukman Tetteh and General Secretary Edwards Domfe, said it had dispatched a delegation to Abuja to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the unfolding situation. According to the association, its inspection revealed what it described as a disturbing pattern in which JonahCapital appeared to be the only company facing disruption, despite several other businesses operating normally within the estate.
"We have observed that several other companies continue to operate undisturbed within River Park Estate, with the exception of JonahCapital. We have also observed the various walls that have been erected around properties belonging to JonahCapital," the leadership stated. The association further noted that JonahCapital had faced several legal and administrative challenges over the past year, including allegations of forgery arising from a police investigation. However, it recalled that the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently cleared the company's directors of any wrongdoing.
The dispute centres on the ownership of the River Park Estate. According to NAGHACON, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had earlier resolved the dispute by recognising JonahCapital as the party to the Development Lease Agreement. However, the dispute resurfaced after the FCT Minister reportedly ruled that the Development Lease Agreement had expired, a decision JonahCapital has challenged in court. "We are aware that JonahCapital has contested this position and that the matter is now before a competent court. It is deeply troubling that actions affecting the company's operations and safety continue while judicial proceedings are ongoing," the association stated.
Expressing concern over what it described as attempts to undermine the judicial process, the association cautioned that the dispute could have broader implications for regional relations if not handled carefully. It drew parallels with past incidents of xenophobic violence in Africa, warning against allowing a commercial dispute to fuel nationalist sentiments. "Today, we are all witnesses to the xenophobic violence in South Africa, which resulted in reprisals and the tragic loss of lives. Such crises often begin with isolated incidents before escalating. We do not want such a situation to arise between two sister countries," the association said.
NAGHACON appealed to both Presidents to call those responsible for the actions to order and allow the courts to determine the matter. "We use this medium to appeal to the Presidents of both Ghana and Nigeria to call those responsible for these actions to order, and to allow the court to determine this matter. We also ask that the safety and security of the Ghanaians involved be guaranteed," the leadership declared. The association expressed hope that the intervention of both leaders would preserve the long-standing friendship and brotherhood between Nigeria and Ghana.
The protest and appeal come amid heightened tensions over the River Park Estate dispute, which has seen JonahCapital's properties barricaded and subjected to various forms of disruption. As the legal battle continues, the Ghanaian community in Nigeria has made it clear that it will not remain silent while the interests of its nationals are threatened. The association has called for an impartial and independent probe into the matter, warning that continued actions against one of Abuja's most prominent Ghanaian-owned businesses could have wider diplomatic implications across the West African sub-region.
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