Outrage in Accra: Ghanaians Protest Alleged Intimidation of Investors in Nigeria
A wave of public outcry has emerged in Ghana following reports of harassment faced by Ghanaian investors in Nigeria, prompting a peaceful protest in Accra.
On Tuesday, a group identified as the Concerned Citizens of Ghana, led by well-known actor and businessman James Clark, gathered to denounce what they described as sustained intimidation and mistreatment of Ghanaians involved in a land dispute at Abuja’s prestigious River Park Estate.
Protesters carried placards with powerful inscriptions such as: “President Tinubu Must Sack IGP,” “Release SIP Report Now,” and “Nigerian Businesses in Ghana Must Respond,” expressing frustration over the treatment of Ghanaian nationals in Nigeria.
James Clark emphasized that the demonstration was a patriotic call to defend fellow citizens who are allegedly being targeted abroad.
The focus of the protest is a legal dispute involving prominent Ghanaian businessman Sir Samuel Esson Jonah and his partners — Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo, and their lawyer Abu Arome who are involved in a multimillion-dollar real estate project in Nigeria. The group claims to have faced unwarranted harassment from Nigerian security agencies.
According to Clark, Ghana has long maintained peaceful and familial relations with Nigerians, and it is deeply troubling that Ghanaians conducting legitimate business in Nigeria are reportedly being intimidated.
He appealed to Ghanaian authorities to intervene by engaging Nigerian officials including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), immigration services, and President Bola Tinubu to ensure that justice prevails.
The controversy revolves around a legal dispute over land ownership at River Park Estate in Abuja. The plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking ₦200 million in exemplary damages for what they allege to be ongoing harassment, illegal arrests, and violations of their fundamental rights.
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1130/2025, names the Nigerian IGP and several other top security officials as defendants.
Court documents reveal that the IGP had earlier assigned a Special Investigation Panel (SIP), led by DCP Usman Ahmed Imam, to look into the matter. Although a report was submitted, plaintiffs claim that it was never publicly released or acted upon. Instead, DCP Akin Fakorede head of the IGP Monitoring Unit — allegedly initiated a fresh investigation perceived to undermine or silence the SIP’s findings. The EFCC is also being accused of detaining one of the investors unjustly.
James Clark stated he was compelled to act after reviewing videos and evidence presented to him. “As a patriotic Ghanaian, it is my duty to speak out when fellow citizens are being abused, manipulated, or mistreated, no matter where they are,” he declared.
The dispute has drawn sharp criticism from Ghanaian media and sparked wider concerns about Nigeria’s investment climate.
Despite President Tinubu’s claims of securing over $30 billion in foreign direct investment commitments, critics warn that unresolved legal disputes and the perceived misuse of law enforcement may deter future investors.
The plaintiffs have asked the court to prohibit both the Nigerian Police Force and the EFCC from further detaining or harassing them, insisting that the land dispute is a civil matter that should be resolved legally and without coercion.
They have also filed petitions to the Police Service Commission, demanding an investigation into alleged misconduct by certain senior officers, whom they accuse of using state power for personal or political purposes.
