Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly directed the leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, to respect the country’s laws and customs, following viral claims about plans to establish an “Igbo Kingdom” on Ghanaian soil.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, July 17, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that he had summoned Eze Ihenetu to clarify the alarming claims.
The minister noted that while Ghana remains a proud Pan-African nation that welcomes all Africans and people of African descent, foreign nationals must strictly abide by Ghanaian law and avoid actions deemed unlawful, divisive, or incendiary.
“Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created,” Ablakwa said.
According to the minister, Ihenetu explained that the controversial comments stemmed from a 2013 interview shortly after his coronation as Eze Ohazurume I of Ndigbo, which he now “deeply regrets.”
He assured that any such plans were long abandoned and that he had not purchased any land to establish an Igbo settlement or kingdom in Ghana.
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and hospitality but was unequivocal in his caution: “We, however, expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive, and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.”
Under Ghanaian law, foreigners are permitted to lease land—typically up to 50 years, renewable—but cannot own land outright, as stipulated in Article 266 of the Constitution and the Lands Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
Moreover, the establishment of an independent kingdom or traditional authority structure by a foreign national contravenes the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which governs Ghana’s recognised traditional leadership systems.
Although the matter has now been clarified, the incident briefly stirred public concern and underscored the sensitive dynamics of cultural sovereignty and foreign residency in Ghana.
Read below the statement by Okudzeto Ablakwa
FROM THE OFFICE OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS GHANA..
Yesterday [Tuesday, July 16], I invited Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, the gentleman captured in a viral video claiming he intends to establish an Igbo Kingdom in Ghana following an alleged purchase of a tract of land.
Izwe clarified that it was an old 2013 interview which he deeply regrets.
He assured that he has long abandoned that idea and has not purchased any piece of land for that purpose.
Chukwudi conveyed profuse apologies to the President, Government, Chiefs and People of Ghana for the unfortunate agitations his rather ill-advised interview has created.
As I emphasized in the meeting, Ghana is exceptionally proud of its celebrated friendly foreign policy which is welcoming of all to our beautiful and peaceful country, particularly Africans and people of African descent. We are determined to keep championing that Pan-African identity — for which we have attained global renown.
We however expect all our fellow Africans and guests to adhere to our peaceful and law-abiding traditions and desist from conduct or pronouncements considered unlawful, divisive and incendiary even as they enjoy our famed hospitality.
Government urges calm and restraint and recalls the inseparable bond of friendship and brotherhood between Ghana and Nigeria.
Let us all in the true spirit of African solidarity guard our commentary so this matter does not degenerate into xenophobic consequences.
