By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, July 17, GNA – A group of concerned Ghanaian citizens has appealed to the Government to engage Nigeria through diplomatic channels to protect the interests of Ghanaian businesses operating there.
The group called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to intervene over developments affecting Jonah Capital, a Ghanaian company operating in Abuja, Nigeria, saying the move would help safeguard Ghanaian investments and strengthen bilateral relations.
Mr James Clarke, Convenor of Concerned Citizens, made the appeal at a press conference in Accra.
He said the company had previously encountered operational challenges in Nigeria, which were resolved through the intervention of the Nigerian authorities, enabling it to continue its operations.
Mr Clarke expressed concern over renewed developments affecting the company and urged the Government to engage its Nigerian counterpart to ensure Ghanaian businesses operating in Nigeria received fair treatment.
He said Ghana had consistently provided a peaceful and conducive environment for Nigerian businesses to operate and expressed the hope that Ghanaian companies would receive similar treatment in Nigeria.
Mr Clarke called on both governments to uphold the principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Right of Establishment, saying the protection of cross-border investments was essential for regional integration and investor confidence.
He emphasised that the group’s appeal was not intended to shield any Ghanaian company from accountability but rather to ensure that Ghanaian businesses were treated fairly and that any outstanding matters were resolved through the appropriate legal and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Mr Clarke appealed to the Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to engage its Nigerian counterpart to safeguard the interests of Ghanaian businesses and citizens in Nigeria while promoting the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.
He urged Ghana and Nigeria to continue strengthening their diplomatic and economic ties, uphold the rule of law, and maintain a stable environment that supports investment, trade and regional cooperation.
GNA
Reporter:Ā MorkporkporĀ AnkuĀ
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