Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has cautioned the leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, to fully respect the country’s laws, following public concerns over resurfaced claims about plans to establish an “Igbo Kingdom” on Ghanaian territory.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Wednesday, 17 July, Mr Ablakwa said he had summoned Mr Ihenetu, known as Eze Ohazurume I of Ndigbo, to clarify remarks he made in a 2013 interview shortly after his coronation. The comments, which recently went viral on social media, appeared to suggest the creation of a traditional Igbo authority in Ghana — something that would violate Ghanaian law.

According to Mr Ablakwa, Mr Ihenetu expressed deep regret over the statements and offered “profuse apologies” to the President, traditional leaders, and the people of Ghana. He reportedly assured the minister that there are no ongoing efforts to establish any form of Igbo kingdom in the country.

“He clarified that the statements were made in error and that he has not acquired any land or made plans to create a kingdom,” the minister said.

Under Ghanaian law, foreign nationals are allowed to lease land for a limited period but are prohibited from owning land outright. The Chieftaincy Act of 2008 also bars non-citizens from creating or assuming traditional leadership roles within Ghana’s recognised authority structures.

While the controversy has now been resolved, the incident stirred debate on issues of national sovereignty, cultural identity, and the role of foreign communities within Ghana.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s Pan-African values and longstanding hospitality towards people of African descent, but stressed that all residents — regardless of origin — must adhere to the country’s legal and cultural frameworks.

Source:TheDotNews