The ministry of foreign affairs has denied reports that Nigeria and Ghana are entangled in diplomatic war over the latter’s decision to evict the former’s high commission from the Accra residence.
It would be recalled that a statement by Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr. Michael Olufemi Abikoye, on December 31, 2019 lamented that a terse letter dated 27th December, 2019 was received from Solicitors acting on behalf of Amaco Microfinance Company Limited, Accra “giving instructions for the High Commission to vacate its diplomatic property at No.10 Barnes Road, Accra
“The letter further stressed that failure to comply within stipulated time will lead to depositing the Mission’s belongings at the nearest Accra police station.”
He stated that as at 31st December, 2019, “the property has been broken into by the company and is being ransacked with the likelihood of being effectively occupied.”
He said the reallocation was done “without recourse to the High Commission” despite having requested severally for “a mutual resolution of the matter, affirming that Nigerian government is examining the situation and that an appropriate directive was being awaited.”
But in its reaction, spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs, Mr. Ferdinand Nwonye, said in a press statement denied any diplomatic row with Nigeria’s West African neighbour.
The governmrnt said there were talks between the Nigerian mission and the authorities in Ghana.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to news circulating in the social media that its property on No. 10 Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana has been ‘violated’ by the host authorities and that there is a diplomatic row between Nigeria and the Republic of Ghana. The Ministry wishes to state categorically that the news reports are untrue.
“The ministry wishes to clarify that the said property under reference was in use by the federal ministry of finance, since 1957, on leasehold and was later bequeathed to the ministry of foreign affairs.
“The lease is said to have expired recently and the High Commission has been exploring the possibility of renewing the lease agreement with the host authorities. It should be noted that the building is not physically occupied but the Mission has some of its properties within the premises.
“It should further be reiterated that the property is not housing either the Residence of the High Commissioner or the Chancery or staff quarters. However, talks are still on-going between the Mission and appropriate host authorities.
“There is therefore no imminent diplomatic row with Ghana as being speculated by a section of the media. We wish to assure all and sundry that the Ministry is on top of the situation.”
