•The building: now and then
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today the receipt of a reconstructed building belonging to Nigeria’s High Commission in Accra, Ghana.
The property was previously demolished by Ghanaian authorities, an incident that nearly escalated into a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
However, after a series of high-level discussions, the Government of Ghana committed to rebuilding the four-bedroom block.
The handover was confirmed in a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
According to the statement, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mrs. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, officially handed over the keys on behalf of the Ghanaian government.
The property was received by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, on behalf of the Nigerian government.
The statement partly reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the Government of the Republic of Ghana has today, 20th November 2024 formally handed over a building belonging to the High Commission of Nigeria in Accra, Ghana.
“The handing over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Her Excellency, Mrs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway is seen as a commendable development and a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the ties between both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauds the laudable gesture and affirms that the reconstructed building embodies the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and the sister Nation, Ghana.
“The keys to the building were received by the minister of foreign affairs, who was represented by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director, Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria.”
