Former Presidential candidate and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has stirred national debate after raising alarm over wha
Former Presidential candidate and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has stirred national debate after raising alarm over what he describes as an attempt by a Nigerian national to establish a “kingdom” on Ghanaian soil.
In a strongly worded press release dated July 8, 2025, Ayariga called for immediate government intervention, claiming that the move posed a direct threat to Ghana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Hassan Ayariga, the said Nigerian—allegedly of Igbo descent—has acquired over 50 acres of land in Ghana with the intent of founding an autonomous kingdom. He did not name the individual or specify the location in the statement, but described the act as “illegal, unacceptable,” and one that should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“The Republic of Ghana is a sovereign nation governed by laws—not a playground for foreign nationals to pursue personal empires,” Hassan Ayariga declared, adding that such developments could create a dangerous precedent if allowed to stand unchecked.
The APC leader expressed concern that at a time when many Ghanaian youth are grappling with unemployment and a lack of affordable housing, it is “offensive and insensitive” to allow a foreigner to amass such extensive land for a self-declared kingdom.
He described the move as a slap in the face of ordinary citizens and a threat to national security.
Dr. Ayariga issued five demands to Ghanaian authorities:
1. An immediate investigation into the land transaction and individuals who facilitated it.
2. Revocation of all land documents and permits linked to the alleged kingdom.
3. Arrest and prosecution of the Nigerian national involved and any local collaborators.
4. Public clarification from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission on how such a transaction was approved.
5. A firm policy from government barring foreign nationals from establishing chieftaincies or kingdoms in Ghana.
Hassan Ayariga also called on Ghanaians to be vigilant, warning that if this issue is left unchecked, it could lead to the erosion of state authority and open the floodgates for further unauthorized foreign claims to land and power.
However, the Eze Igbo Palace in Ghana has issued a counterstatement, rejecting the claims and urging the media and public to disregard the allegations.
In a release signed by Ronney Gogo, Head of Communications for the palace, the group denied acquiring any land for what had been circulated online as an “Igbo Village” or a kingdom.
According to the statement, the claims are linked to a 2013 interview with Eze Ohazurume I of Ndigbo in Ghana, conducted following his coronation in 2012.
The palace clarified that while there had been discussions over a land project at the time, the plans never materialized due to ownership disputes. By 2014, the project had been entirely abandoned.
“We want to state unequivocally and without reservation that we have not currently acquired any land in Ningo or elsewhere in Ghana for the purpose of establishing an Igbo Village,” the palace emphasized.
The statement also stressed that the Eze, who has lived in Ghana since 1995 and is married to a Ghanaian, remains committed to respecting Ghanaian laws and customs.
The palace reassured the public that the Igbo community in Ghana continues to maintain cordial relations with their host country and would never act in ways that endanger that harmony.
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