Engage Nigeria over treatment of Jonah Capital - Group urges Pres Mahama

A Ghanaian advocacy group is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to engage with Nigerian authorities to protect the interests of Jonah Capital, a Ghanaian-owned company facing alleged persistent harassment in Nigeria. The Concerned Citizens of Ghana, through its convener Samuel A. Clark, expressed deep concern over recent actions at the company's flagship investment, the River Park Estate in Abuja.

According to Clark, officials from Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration, accompanied by armed security, entered the estate, allegedly causing property destruction and intimidating staff and residents. This action is particularly troubling as the matter is reportedly before an international arbitration panel. Clark highlighted that Nigeria's Attorney-General had previously reviewed forgery allegations against Jonah Capital officials and found no basis for prosecution, leading to the withdrawal and striking out of a criminal case.

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The matter was already before an international arbitration panel, and questioned the use of force while the dispute remained under judicial and arbitral consideration.

Despite these legal and arbitral considerations, Clark alleged that the company has faced renewed pressure, including armed incursions into parts of the estate and attempts to unlawfully alter shareholding. The group contrasted this treatment with that of Nigerian businesses in Ghana, asserting that Nigerian-owned banks and companies operate freely and repatriate profits without interference. Ghana's handling of the 2020 demolition of a building at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra was cited as an example of Ghana's commitment to protecting foreign investments.

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He contrasted the situation with the treatment of Nigerian businesses in Ghana, stating that several Nigerian-owned banks and companies continued to operate freely and repatriate their profits without interference.