The Ghanaian government says it will rebuild to its original state, the residential building of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana that was demolished on June 19.
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Botchewey, said this on Thursday during a media briefing on the investigation into the incident.
She said, “The Land Commission will formerly inform the Osu Traditional Council that in August, 2000, offer was made to High Commission of Nigeria, irrespective of the title of land in question.
“The offer was accepted by the High Commission and payment was made accordingly that constituted a contract.
“The Land Commission will proceed to issue a Land Certificate to the High Commission of Nigeria, to regularise its ownership of the property in question.
“Ghana will take immediate steps to engage the Osu stool and all stakeholders on the impasse.
“Ghana will ensure that the demolished building is restored to its original state as soon as possible.
“The High Commission of Nigeria will take appropriate steps to obtain building permit for the construction.”
Botchewey added that a committee consisting of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Lands Commission had been constituted to investigate the unlawful demolition of the building.
According to her, based on a preliminary investigation, Nigeria paid for the land 20 years ago, even though the high commission could not produce the lease, land title certificate and building permit of the land.
