Demolition of Nigeria High Commission’s property violation of “diplomatic relations” – Ministry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has commenced investigations into the destruction of properties belonging to the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Ghana.
While criticising perpetrators who demolished the building on Friday evening, the ministry stated that the development “is a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR 1961).
The ministry expressed regret and noted in a statement that a probe has been initiated “to unravel the facts of the matter and bring the perpetrators to book”.
The incident happened at night when bulldozers moved in, protected by the armed men who threatened to shoot staff of the Nigerian embassy, JoyNews reported.
The Nigerian High Commissioner, shaken by the incident, reportedly ran away.
Shortly after the incident, some Nigerians in Ghana gathered at the facility to protest.
Some were heard chanting statements such as “Nigeria Lives Matter.”
Others were concerned for their safety, citing the ease of the attack on the Nigerian High Commission’s property.
However, the ministry assured officials of its West African neighbours that they have “beefed up security at the said facility and the situation is under control”.
The ministry said the government will not relent on its primary obligation to guarantee the safety of members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana.
The ministry added that Ghana remains a law-abiding country that upholds the principle of the rule of law.
In a related development, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, has criticised the “outrageous criminal attacks” and called on the Ghana government to protect Nigerian lives and property.
We strongly condemn two outrageous criminal attacks in Accra, #Ghana, on a residential building in our diplomatic premises by unknown persons in which a bulldozer was used to demolish the building.
— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) June 21, 2020
We are engaging the Ghanaian Government and demand urgent action to find the perpetrators and provide adequate protection for Nigerians and their property in Ghana. #StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19 @NigeriaGov @DigiCommsNG @GhanaMFA
— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) June 21, 2020
Meanwhile, the Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed concerns over the matter.
In a post on Sunday, he said the action to pull down the structures was a “very disturbing development with possibly devastating consequences for Ghana-Nigeria relations if not well managed with all the urgency required”.
He further called for cool heads from both countries to dialogue and resolve the issue amicably.
“Hoping all sides will urge calm and do everything to prevent an escalation in the spirit of our enviable ancestral ties,” he noted.