An announcement issued by Ghana’s Minister for International Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on Thursday, affirmed that the federal government was not taking flippantly the demolition which was a breach of the Vienna Conference.
“Articles 22 and 30 of the Vienna Conference on Diplomatic Relations stipulate that the premises of the Mission in addition to the non-public residence of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable.
“Thus, the incident of Friday, 19th June, 2020 constitutes a breach of the Conference,” she stated.
She disclosed that the Ghanaian authorities was taking all measures to fix fences with Nigeria, stressing that investigations have been already ongoing into the matter.
The International Minister disclosed that the violation was on account of a miscommunication between the Ghanaian Lands Fee and the Nigerian embassy in relation to the possession of the land.
She assured that the premises might be restored to its authentic state, including that the perpetrators of the act wouldn’t go unpunished to the complete extent of the regulation.
“The Lands Fee will proceed to problem a Land Title Certificates to the Excessive Fee of Nigeria to regularize its possession of the property in query;
“Following the arrest of some individuals related to the breach of the premises of the Excessive Fee of Nigeria, the Felony Investigation Division will expedite motion on investigations, given the fragile nature of the matter and its potential ramifications on Ghana–Nigeria relations;
“The Authorities of Ghana will be sure that the demolished constructing is restored to its authentic state, as quickly as doable;
“In view of the above, the Authorities of Ghana will actively interact the Nigerian Authorities on the highest degree to deal with the deadlock and assist calm tensions in each nations,” she stated.
She additional pressured that the Ghanaian authorities took a severe view of the violation of the diplomatic premises.
“While expressing deep regrets over the incident, I want to guarantee the Authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the Authorities of Ghana will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and be sure that the perpetrators are sanctioned in accordance with the legal guidelines of the land.
“As you might be conscious, the relations between Ghana and Nigeria predate the independence of each nations and are certain by blood ties.
“Over time, these relations have been nurtured and have produced glorious cooperation between our two nations manifested by the wonderful relations between our present Presidents, President Muhammadu Buhari and President Nana Akufo-Addo, who’ve spoken on this matter.
“Let me guarantee the diplomatic neighborhood in Ghana, and the Excessive Fee of Nigeria specifically, that the Authorities of Ghana won’t relent on its major obligation to guard and assure the security of the Members of the Diplomatic Corps,” she stated.
She appealed to the media to be circumspect of their reportage on the matter.
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