Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has officially handed over the newly reconstructed Nigerian High Commission building in Accra to representatives of the Nigerian government.
This handing over has been necessitated due to the unlawful demolition by unknown armed individuals on June 20, 2020, who invaded the residential quarters of the Nigerian High Commission at Julius Nyerere Street, Osu, and demolished the building.
This act was strongly condemned by the Nigerian government as it violated diplomatic protocols and caused significant costs for the mission, which had to rent alternative accommodation for its staff.
However, after four years of waiting, the Ghanaian government, represented by Shirley Botcwey, handed over the reconstructed structure to Nigeria on Wednesday, November 21, 2024.
The handover ceremony saw Chimeze Ogu, Director of the Foreign Service Academy under Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accepting the facility on behalf of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In her address at the ceremony, Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey apologised for the demolishing, citing the Ghanaian government’s commitment to strengthen the enduring relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to addressing challenges with unity and resilience.
“Let me also take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, our sincerest apologies for the regrettable incident that led to the initial demolition of this building.
Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone, highlighting the solidarity that has been tested yet remains unshaken between our two nations,” she said.
She said the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria transcends diplomacy, adding that it was a partnership steeped in history, culture, and shared aspirations.
She said under the visionary leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, their two nations continue to strengthen bonds through regional cooperation within ECOWAS and the African Union.
“Together, we strive to uphold the ideals of African unity, peace, and economic integration, principles that guide our shared journey,” she said.
Mr Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, in a statement read on his behalf by Mr Chimeze Ogu, the Director of Foreign Service Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, congratulated Ms Ayorkor Botchwey on her election as the first African Woman and the second African national to hold the prestigious office of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
Mr Tuggar said, “As we receive this reconstructed building, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and mutual understanding between our two countries.”.
“To the government and people of Ghana, we express our sincere gratitude for this gesture. Your actions demonstrate the value you place on our relationship.”
In attendance at the event were Mr Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Mr Charles Abani, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana; Mr Ramses J. Cleland, Chief Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional; and Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.