Sir Sam Jonah seeks intervention from Ghana’s Foreign minister over alleged seizure of investments in Nigeria – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Recent headlines have amplified a high‑profile diplomatic dispute involving Sir Sam Jonah, a prominent Ghanaian businessman, and the alleged seizure of his investments in Nigeria. The petition submitted to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, underscores the growing intersection of corporate law, regional diplomacy, and cross‑border investment protection in West Africa. This article unpacks the case, explains the legal backdrop, and offers practical guidance for investors navigating similar challenges. By weaving together factual context, legal analysis, and SEO‑optimized headings, the piece aims to inform readers while maximizing visibility for search queries such as “Sir Sam Jonah Ghana foreign minister intervention Nigeria investment seizure.”

Key Points

Petition to the Ghanaian Foreign Minister

In a 11‑page petition dated 13 December 2025, Sir Sam Jonah formally requested diplomatic intervention after discovering that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria cancelled the corporate registrations of two of his Nigerian‑registered entities—JonahScaling Nigeria Ltd and Houses For Africa Nigeria Ltd—on 8 December 2025. The petition urges the Ghanaian executive to engage its Nigerian counterpart, alert the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and demand the immediate restoration of the cancelled filings.

Alleged Illegal Seizure of Assets

The petition describes the cancellation as an “illegal seizure” of assets valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sir Jonah contends that the action was precipitated by a disputed police report filed by DCP Akin Fakorede, which contradicted the findings of a ten‑member Special Investigation Panel (SIP). The panel had previously examined allegations of document forgery related to the land dispute at Abuja’s River Park Estate.

Role of the Corporate Affairs Commission

According to the filing, the Registrar‑General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), unilaterally cancelled the corporate status reports without prior notice or judicial order. This move, Sir Jonah argues, violates provisions of the Nigerian Companies Act and creates a risk of asset dissipation, leaving his companies unable to defend their interests in ongoing litigation.

Broader Diplomatic Implications

The petition frames the dispute as more than a private business conflict; it represents a breach of regional investment protections that ECOWAS is mandated to uphold. By involving the Ghanaian foreign ministry, Sir Jonah seeks to elevate the matter to a state‑to‑state level, encouraging cross‑border diplomatic channels to resolve the issue.

Historical Context of the Investment

Sir Jonah’s involvement in Nigeria dates back to 2006, when he incorporated JonahScaling and entered a Development Lease with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). Subsequent restructuring in 2007 expanded his holdings, positioning his firms as key stakeholders in the River Park Estate development. Over the years, local agents—including Paul Odili of Paulo Homes Ltd—were engaged to secure permits and facilitate land acquisition.

Background

Understanding the current controversy requires a look at the broader environment in which Ghanaian investors operate in Nigeria. The River Park Estate, located in Abuja, is a high‑profile mixed‑use development that has attracted significant foreign capital. However, land disputes are common in Nigeria, where overlapping claims, ambiguous title documents, and powerful local intermediaries often lead to protracted legal battles.

Sir Sam Jonah, a veteran of the Ghanaian business community, built his reputation through successful ventures in real estate, agribusiness, and infrastructure. His entry into the Nigerian market was facilitated by long‑standing professional relationships and a belief in the protective frameworks offered by both national and regional bodies.

In 2007, a Development Lease agreement was executed with the FCDA, granting JonahScaling rights to develop portions of the River Park Estate. The arrangement was later restructured, consolidating ownership stakes among several subsidiaries. This restructuring laid the groundwork for the current dispute, as the legal titles to the land became entangled with corporate registration records.

The situation escalated when a Nigerian police officer, DCP Akin Fakorede, filed a report alleging irregularities in the land acquisition process. The report was contested by a ten‑member Special Investigation Panel (SIP), which concluded that the allegations lacked substantive evidence. Nevertheless, the police report was later used as a basis for administrative action by the CAC.

Analysis

Legal Implications of Corporate Record Cancellation

Under Nigerian corporate law, the Registrar‑General may cancel a company’s registration only after due process, which typically involves notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a court order. The abrupt cancellation of JonahScaling Nigeria Ltd and Houses For Africa Nigeria Ltd without such procedural safeguards raises questions about compliance with the Companies Act and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) guidelines. Legal scholars note that unilateral cancellation could expose the CAC to civil liability, especially if it results in loss of assets or damages to foreign investors.

ECOWAS and Regional Investment Protection

ECOWAS treaties contain provisions aimed at safeguarding the rights of member‑state investors across borders. Article 7 of the ECOWAS Treaty on Free Movement of Persons and Goods obliges member states to protect the interests of their citizens investing in other member countries. While ECOWAS does not operate a supranational court, it can mediate disputes through diplomatic channels, as suggested by Sir Jonah’s petition. The involvement of the Ghanaian foreign ministry may therefore trigger a diplomatic review within ECOWAS, potentially leading to a formal request for Nigeria to reinstate the cancelled registrations.

Potential Outcomes and Precedents

Historically, similar disputes have been resolved through out‑of‑court settlements or administrative reversals. For instance, in 2022, a Ghanaian mining firm successfully contested a Nigerian government’s cancellation of its mining licence through arbitration under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The precedent suggests that Sir Jonah may pursue international arbitration if domestic remedies fail, especially given the cross‑border nature of the conflict.

Moreover, the case highlights a growing trend where African investors leverage diplomatic mechanisms to complement legal strategies. This approach can accelerate resolution but also carries the risk of politicizing commercial disputes.

Practical Advice

Protecting Investments in Cross‑Border Ventures

Investors should adopt a multi‑layered protection strategy:

• Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Verify land titles, corporate registration numbers, and the credibility of local partners before committing capital.
• Secure Robust Legal Documentation: Ensure all agreements are vetted by qualified counsel in both the home and host countries, with clear dispute‑resolution clauses.
• Maintain Independent Records: Keep copies of all filings, correspondence, and investigative reports in a secure, accessible repository.
• Engage Local Counsel Early: Retain a reputable Nigerian law firm to monitor regulatory changes and represent interests in dealings with agencies such as the CAC.
• Explore Bilateral Agreements: Where possible, negotiate investment protection treaties or memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between home‑country ministries and host‑country counterparts.

Responding to Unlawful Corporate Actions

If a company discovers unauthorized cancellation of its registration:

1. Immediately request a written explanation from the Registrar‑General, citing the specific legal provision invoked.
2. File an appeal with the Nigerian National Industrial Court or seek an interlocutory injunction to halt any further administrative actions.
3. Notify the home‑country foreign ministry, which may initiate diplomatic pressure or request a formal explanation from the host government.
4. Consider initiating arbitration under relevant international investment treaties to preserve the right to claim damages.

Leveraging Regional Frameworks

Investors can benefit from engaging with ECOWAS bodies such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice or the ECOWAS Commission’s Trade and Investment Directorate. Submitting a formal complaint can trigger mediation, and successful interventions often result in the reinstatement of rights or compensation for losses.

FAQ

Conclusion

The petition submitted by Sir Sam Jonah illustrates the complex interplay between corporate governance, national law, and regional diplomacy in West Africa. While the allegations of an illegal seizure of investments raise serious legal questions, they also underscore the need for stronger safeguards for cross‑border investors. For policymakers, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent, rule‑based interactions with the private sector. For investors, it reinforces the value of proactive risk management and the strategic use of diplomatic channels to protect assets abroad. As the situation unfolds, continued monitoring of both legal developments in Nigeria and diplomatic engagement at the ECOWAS level will be essential.