How to resolve AdBlock issue? Ghana Hands Over Reconstructed Nigerian High Commission Building After Demolition Incident
Sunday, 24 November 2024 | News
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called on foreign missions in Ghana to ensure their properties are properly registered and documented to prevent future encroachments. Her statement came during the official handover ceremony of the reconstructed Nigerian High Commission building in Accra, four years after an uncompleted structure on the property was unlawfully demolished by armed individuals.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Botchwey reiterated Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding diplomatic spaces and ensuring the safety of international missions. “I would like to take this opportunity to advise diplomatic missions in Ghana to periodically review and regularize their documents to avoid similar issues,” she stated. The minister acknowledged that the Nigerian High Commission’s failure to regularize its property documentation was a contributing factor, although she emphasized that it did not justify the illegal demolition.
The original incident in 2020 had strained Ghana-Nigeria relations, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. During the handover of the reconstructed structure—a four-bedroom block to house staff of the Nigerian High Commission—Ms. Botchwey reaffirmed Ghana’s determination to maintain amicable diplomatic ties with Nigeria and other nations.
The Nigerian government, represented by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu of the Foreign Service Academy, expressed gratitude to Ghana for its proactive measures in resolving the issue. "During the peak of this unfortunate event, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs assured us that the building would be restored, and today, that promise has been fulfilled," he said.
Ambassador Ogu highlighted the significance of the reconstructed building, describing it as more than just a physical structure but a symbol of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations. He also acknowledged Ghana’s efforts to address the aftermath of the demolition, including forming a committee to investigate the incident and engaging Nigerian officials to prevent a recurrence.
While the Nigerian High Commission had incurred significant financial losses, including thousands of dollars spent on renting alternative accommodations for its staff, Ambassador Ogu noted that the mission chose not to focus on compensation. Instead, the High Commission has prioritized reconciliation and the preservation of strong diplomatic relations.
The incident, which had sparked public and diplomatic outcry, underscored the importance of adherence to legal procedures and the protection of diplomatic properties. Ghana’s swift intervention and its willingness to address the grievances have been viewed as a positive step in rebuilding trust.
Looking forward, both Ghana and Nigeria expressed optimism about strengthening their bilateral ties. The Ghanaian government pledged to deepen the relationship to achieve greater mutual progress for the two nations and contribute to the broader development of Africa.
The reconstruction of the Nigerian High Commission building serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship between the two nations, even amidst challenges, and highlights the importance of cooperation in resolving disputes amicably.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Botchwey reiterated Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding diplomatic spaces and ensuring the safety of international missions. “I would like to take this opportunity to advise diplomatic missions in Ghana to periodically review and regularize their documents to avoid similar issues,” she stated. The minister acknowledged that the Nigerian High Commission’s failure to regularize its property documentation was a contributing factor, although she emphasized that it did not justify the illegal demolition.
The original incident in 2020 had strained Ghana-Nigeria relations, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. During the handover of the reconstructed structure—a four-bedroom block to house staff of the Nigerian High Commission—Ms. Botchwey reaffirmed Ghana’s determination to maintain amicable diplomatic ties with Nigeria and other nations.
The Nigerian government, represented by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu of the Foreign Service Academy, expressed gratitude to Ghana for its proactive measures in resolving the issue. "During the peak of this unfortunate event, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs assured us that the building would be restored, and today, that promise has been fulfilled," he said.
Ambassador Ogu highlighted the significance of the reconstructed building, describing it as more than just a physical structure but a symbol of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations. He also acknowledged Ghana’s efforts to address the aftermath of the demolition, including forming a committee to investigate the incident and engaging Nigerian officials to prevent a recurrence.
While the Nigerian High Commission had incurred significant financial losses, including thousands of dollars spent on renting alternative accommodations for its staff, Ambassador Ogu noted that the mission chose not to focus on compensation. Instead, the High Commission has prioritized reconciliation and the preservation of strong diplomatic relations.
The incident, which had sparked public and diplomatic outcry, underscored the importance of adherence to legal procedures and the protection of diplomatic properties. Ghana’s swift intervention and its willingness to address the grievances have been viewed as a positive step in rebuilding trust.
Looking forward, both Ghana and Nigeria expressed optimism about strengthening their bilateral ties. The Ghanaian government pledged to deepen the relationship to achieve greater mutual progress for the two nations and contribute to the broader development of Africa.
The reconstruction of the Nigerian High Commission building serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship between the two nations, even amidst challenges, and highlights the importance of cooperation in resolving disputes amicably.