Ghana has formally petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it describes as the unfair treatment of Ghanaian-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.
The concerns were raised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja, Nigeria, from Wednesday, December 10 to Friday, December 12, 2025.
Addressing the Council, Mr. Samuel Ablakwa condemned in strong terms what he described as harassment and unjust actions taken against Ghanaian investors, warning that such developments could strain the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Among the affected businesses is Jonah Capital PLC, a real estate company owned by prominent Ghanaian businessman, Sir Samuel Jonah. The Minister cautioned that failure to resolve the matter amicably could compel Ghana to take retaliatory measures, potentially resulting in cross-border trade tensions.
The petition follows a nearly year-long ownership dispute over the multi-billion-naira River Park Estate in Abuja, which has reportedly escalated into a major corporate crisis.
The dispute has placed Nigeria’s Ministry of Trade under increasing pressure amid allegations that Ghanaian-owned companies were subjected to extraordinary corporate expropriation, an issue that observers warn could trigger a broader Ghana–Nigeria trade dispute.
At the centre of the controversy is Mr Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Registrar-General of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
According to allegations now before Nigeria’s National Assembly and diplomatic channels, Mr. Magaji, acting through the CAC, allegedly approved the reassignment and expropriation of shares belonging to Jonas Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, both linked to Sir Samuel Jonah.
The actions are said to have been carried out despite an express directive from Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and while court proceedings on the matter were pending.
Formal service of the court process was reportedly effected on the CAC on November 28, 2025 raising concerns about due process, judicial respect and regulatory overreach.
It is further alleged that the CAC altered company shareholding structures, expunged public records, removed duly appointed directors and reinstated former directors, actions critics say amounted to an unlawful exercise of authority.
The controversy has attracted regional attention, with concerns growing within Nigeria’s political and business circles.
Despite being formally petitioned, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade has yet to issue a public response, deepening anxiety among foreign investors and the wider business community.
Following deliberations, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers acknowledged the concerns raised by Ghana and requested additional information on the matter for further consideration.
With ECOWAS now seized of the issue and the CAC Registrar-General under heightened scrutiny, observers warn that Nigeria’s response could determine whether the dispute is resolved through institutional mechanisms or escalates into a wider diplomatic and economic confrontation between two of West Africa’s closest allies.
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