General News
CCG Urges Ghana Government to Intervene Over JonahCapital Dispute in Nigeria
The Concerned Citizens of Ghana (CCG) has called on the Government of Ghana to urgently engage Nigerian authorities over what it describes as the continued harassment of Ghanaian investment firm JonahCapital and its flagship River Park Estate project in Abuja.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, the Convener of CCG, James Clark, warned that the treatment of the Ghanaian company could strain the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Nigeria if the matter is not addressed through diplomatic channels.
According to Mr. Clark, the group’s concerns were heightened following a press conference held on July 10, 2026, by the National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) at River Park Estate in Abuja. During that briefing, NAGHACON alleged that staff and assets belonging to JonahCapital had come under coordinated attacks by state actors after the reported revocation of the company’s Development Lease Agreement.
He said the operation allegedly involved armed police officers attached to the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, who reportedly entered the company’s property under the authority of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The operation reportedly resulted in part of the entrance to the company’s Gallery Clubhouse being excavated and damaged.
Previous legal battle
James Clark recalled that this was not the first time JonahCapital had faced legal and administrative challenges in Nigeria.
He explained that in June 2025, CCG petitioned the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana over what it described as attempts by the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to disregard the findings of the Nigeria Police Special Investigation Panel.
Despite the panel’s findings, the Inspector-General’s office proceeded to charge JonahCapital executives with criminal offences, including forgery, under Charge No. CR/402/25.
However, following an independent review, Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, in a letter dated December 30, 2025 (Reference: DPPA/REQ/224/25), concluded that no criminal case had been established against the accused persons.
According to the statement, the Attorney-General found that:
- No prima facie case of forgery or related offences had been established against Samuel Esson Jonah, Kojo Ansah Mensah, Victor Quainoo and Abu Arome.
- The Special Investigation Panel’s report dated March 28, 2025, was valid, comprehensive and unbiased, and was therefore affirmed.
- The findings of the IGP Monitoring Unit were described as “highly misleading” because they attempted to criminalise what was essentially a commercial dispute concerning ownership, shareholding and contractual issues.
- The Nigeria Police acted beyond its legal authority by publicly declaring certain private individuals as owners and managers of River Park Estate without any court ruling.
- Allegations involving destruction of property, criminal intimidation and assault against staff, customers and residents of River Park Estate had not been investigated, prompting directives for fresh investigations while ensuring security for residents.
Mr. Clark stated that based on those findings, the Attorney-General ordered the criminal charges to be withdrawn, leading the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to strike out the case on January 20, 2026, under Suit No. FCT/JD/HC/CR/402/2025.
Renewed dispute
Despite the dismissal of the criminal charges, CCG expressed concern that JonahCapital is once again facing what it described as attacks from another branch of the Nigerian government.
According to the group, the FCT Minister has claimed that JonahCapital’s Development Lease Agreement has expired. However, James Clark noted that the company has challenged that position through international arbitration, making the matter legally unresolved.
He argued that since arbitration proceedings are ongoing, enforcement actions involving armed security personnel and damage to company property should not be taking place.
“No party that is confident of its case needs bulldozers and armed men to make its argument,” Mr. Clark stated.
Other concerns raised
The group also referred to previous developments involving JonahCapital, including what it described as the unilateral alteration of the company’s shareholding records at Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission under Registrar-General Hussaini Magaji.
According to CCG, Nigeria’s National Assembly later directed that the alterations be reversed, restoring the company’s directors and shareholders.
James Clark further recalled the detention of one of the company’s executives by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the same forgery allegations that were subsequently dismissed by the Attorney-General.
Calls on Ghana and Nigeria
The Concerned Citizens of Ghana criticised what it described as the lack of a strong response from the Ghanaian government despite the repeated challenges facing JonahCapital.
The group contrasted the situation with Ghana’s treatment of Nigerian businesses, noting that several Nigerian companies, including UBA, Zenith Bank and Access Bank, continue to operate successfully in Ghana without harassment.
Mr. Clark also referenced the June 2020 demolition of a building on the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, pointing out that Ghana condemned the incident, arrested and prosecuted the perpetrator, and undertook the reconstruction of the damaged structure.
He said Ghana had demonstrated good neighbourliness and expected similar treatment for Ghanaian businesses operating in Nigeria.
ECOWAS concerns
CCG further noted that the issue comes at a time when ECOWAS leaders are meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, arguing that the treatment of JonahCapital undermines the regional bloc’s principles of free movement, investment protection and the right of establishment across member states.
The group warned that if a major Ghanaian investment could face such treatment while legal proceedings remain ongoing, it could discourage cross-border investment throughout West Africa.
Demands
The Concerned Citizens of Ghana called on:
- President of Ghana and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to formally engage the Nigerian government over the matter.
- Nigerian authorities to suspend all enforcement activities at River Park Estate.
- Authorities to ensure the safety and security of Ghanaians connected to the estate.
- Both countries to allow arbitration and court proceedings to determine the dispute rather than resorting to force.
James Clark stressed that the group was not seeking immunity for Ghanaian businesses operating abroad but was demanding that Ghanaian investors receive the same respect, fairness and legal protection that foreign investors enjoy in Ghana.
He concluded by urging both governments to preserve the strong relationship between Ghana and Nigeria by allowing the rule of law—not force—to determine the outcome of the dispute.
He also noted that, out of respect for the ongoing arbitration, the group would not comment further on the substantive issues before the arbitral tribunal and encouraged the public to exercise similar restraint.
General News
Freedom of Speech Has Limits – GJA Ashanti Boss Backs Jail Term for TikToker Over Alleged Defamation of President
The Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Kofi Adu Domfe, has defended the jailing of a TikToker over alleged defamatory comments about the President, insisting that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to spread falsehoods.
Speaking on the growing controversy surrounding the case via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Mr. Domfe cautioned that social media platforms must not become safe havens for reckless and defamatory content.
“The social media must not be used recklessly,” he stated.
He stressed that bloggers, influencers, and journalists should not hide behind the principle of free speech to justify defamatory publications.
“Bloggers and journalists must not frown on defamation law in the name of free speech.”
Mr. Domfe also expressed concern over the increasing number of unregulated online content creators, saying many people now claim to be journalists simply because they own smartphones.
“Everybody picks a phone and begins to claim they are news publishers, denting the image of ethical journalism.”
According to him, the media landscape requires greater accountability to protect the integrity of journalism and ensure the public receives credible information.
He therefore called for stronger regulation of new media platforms and content creators.
“We need to pay critical attention to the new media and streamline their activities.”
Commenting on the jailed TikToker’s remarks about the President, Mr. Dimfe argued that the statements amounted to unsubstantiated falsehoods that fall within the scope of criminal offences.
“What the woman said on social media about the President borders on defamation and unsubstantiated falsehood.”
He concluded by reminding media practitioners and online commentators that the constitutional right to free expression comes with responsibility.
“Freedom of speech has its limitation, so whether you are a blogger or a journalist, you must be responsible and mindful of the kind of information you spread to the public.”
His remarks come amid an intensifying national debate over online misinformation, responsible digital communication, and the balance between free expression and accountability on social media
General News
Nobody Can Hide Behind Social Media and Think They Can Go Scot-Free – Security Consultant Warns
Security consultant Richard Kumador has called for stronger measures to tackle misinformation, disinformation and irresponsible behaviour on social media, warning that no one should assume they can evade accountability for harmful online actions.
Speaking on the growing impact of false information via a zoom meeting on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Kumador said many countries are introducing laws to address misinformation and disinformation because of their potential to fuel political instability, undermine governance and even trigger civil unrest.
He noted that while Ghana’s proposed legislation on misinformation is still awaiting parliamentary approval, existing criminal laws already provide sanctions against offensive conduct, whether committed online or offline.
Kumador also stressed the need to amend the country’s cybersecurity laws to keep pace with emerging trends on social media, arguing that technological advancements require continuous updates to the legal framework.
He referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of an upcoming technology bill to support Ghana’s artificial intelligence agenda, saying the legislation could help address emerging digital challenges.
According to him, individual responsibility and accountability remain crucial in ensuring a safe digital space.
“I think we would need public education on the dos and don’ts when one is on social media,” he said, adding that many online activities are dangerous and unacceptable.
Kumador warned that people who make defamatory or derogatory statements about others can cause significant emotional distress and should not expect to escape punishment.
“In maintaining law and order, everyone must be responsible and live in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others,” he said.
General News
No Law Stops Anyone From Killing Cows – Lawyer Kwabena Boateng Says Alleged Insult Against Mahama Is Not a Crime
Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, has argued that the alleged defamatory remarks made against President John Dramani Mahama do not constitute a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.
Speaking on the matter via a zoom interview on Kessben TV’s Digest show, Boateng stressed that while the comments could potentially give rise to a civil defamation suit, they fall short of the legal threshold required for criminal prosecution.
He explained that in civil defamation cases, anyone who republishes defamatory material may also be held liable.
“In civil remedy for defamation, there is what we call republication, which attracts equal punishment to publication,” he said.
According to the Ejisu MP, the alleged comments made by the woman in question cannot be classified as a criminal offence against the President.
“What the lady did was not a criminal offence against the first gentleman of the land,” Boateng stated.
He further clarified that criminal liability only arises where false publications are capable of threatening public order or national interest.
“If there is a publication of falsehood that can corrupt public health, public peace or national security, it amounts to a criminal offence,” he explained.
Boateng also observed that occupying the highest office in the country naturally exposes the President to criticism and insults.
“As a president, the likelihood that someone would insult the president is high,” he noted.
Addressing the specific allegation at the centre of the controversy, Boateng argued that no law in Ghana prohibits the killing of cattle.
“The lady in question did not say the president killed a pregnant woman for sacrifice but cattle, and there is no law in Ghana that bars the president or anyone from killing cows,” he said.
His comments come as public debate intensifies over the limits of free speech, defamation laws, and the extent to which public officials should be protected from offensive or controversial remarks.
Freedom of Speech Has Limits – GJA Ashanti Boss Backs Jail Term for TikToker Over Alleged Defamation of President
Nobody Can Hide Behind Social Media and Think They Can Go Scot-Free – Security Consultant Warns
No Law Stops Anyone From Killing Cows – Lawyer Kwabena Boateng Says Alleged Insult Against Mahama Is Not a Crime
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