In a gesture symbolizing reconciliation and respect, the Ghanaian government has reconstructed and handed over a building belonging to Nigeria’s High Commission in Accra.
This development follows the demolition of the property by Ghanaian authorities, an incident that stirred tensions between the two West African nations.
The newly rebuilt four-bedroom structure was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries. Representing the Ghanaian government, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, presented the keys to Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director of the Foreign Service Academy, who accepted them on behalf of Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja confirmed the development in a statement issued by acting spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. The statement highlighted that the handover was a result of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving the issue amicably and preserving the strong ties between the two nations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commends this commendable act and acknowledges that the reconstructed building reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that has long characterized the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana,” the statement read.
The incident initially sparked outrage when the building, located on a diplomatic plot, was demolished in 2020. The action was widely condemned as a breach of international diplomatic protocols. In response, both nations engaged in dialogue to de-escalate tensions and chart a path forward, culminating in Ghana’s commitment to rebuild the property.
The completion and handover of the structure serve as a symbolic resolution to the diplomatic rift, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing disputes. It also underscores the shared vision of Nigeria and Ghana to foster regional cooperation and maintain peace within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.
This resolution marks a significant milestone in Nigerian-Ghanaian relations, reinforcing the principles of mutual respect and partnership that continue to guide interactions between the two nations.
