A significant diplomatic and legal confrontation is escalating between Ghana and Nigeria, centered on allegations by Ghanaian business magnate Sir Sam Jonah concerning the unlawful seizure and expropriation of his business interests in Nigeria. The Ghanaian government has formally announced its decision to elevate the ongoing dispute to the ECOWAS Court, following years of stalled diplomatic efforts and unsuccessful legal engagements within Nigeria.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, confirmed the escalation, stating that Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced the submission of official documentation to the regional body. This move comes after Sir Sam Jonah filed an 11-page petition, dated December 13, 2025, to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. In this petition, Sir Jonah accuses Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of expropriating his shares in Abuja’s River Park Estate, overriding ongoing court processes, and illegally altering company records without proper legal basis. The High Commissioner emphasized that ECOWAS, as a sub-regional body fostering cross-border business, is the logical next step for resolution after exhausting all avenues in Nigeria.

Kojo Ansah Mensah, Managing Director and CEO of Jonah Capital, reiterated the company's demand for due process, asserting that they are not seeking special favors from Nigerian authorities. He highlighted that multiple Nigerian agencies, including the Minister of Trade, the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, the Attorney General, the ICPC, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have been formally petitioned regarding the CAC's alleged disturbing actions. Mensah specifically criticized the CAC boss, Magaji SAN, for allegedly distorting and expunging company records in his boardroom with cronies.

The dispute's origins trace back to Jonah Capital’s demand for accountability from a local Nigerian partner, Paul Odili of Paulo Homes Ltd., over alleged land encroachment within the River Park Estate. This initial conflict has since evolved into a high-stakes legal and diplomatic battle involving state institutions. Ghana's High Commissioner noted that the case has already been before several Nigerian state institutions—including the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police, and the Trade Ministry—yet the Corporate Affairs Commission’s actions remain unresolved.

Baba Jamal further revealed Ghana's intervention to halt attempts by Nigerian authorities to expunge company records linked to the dispute, describing such actions as irregular and legally questionable, particularly given ongoing court processes. He stressed Ghana’s commitment to resolving the matter through legally recognized regional mechanisms without jeopardizing the excellent bilateral relationship with Nigeria. The allegations threaten millions of dollars in Ghanaian-led investments and are seen as a violation of regional investment protection standards. With documentation now formally submitted to the ECOWAS Ministerial Council, both parties express hope for a peaceful resolution through regional channels.