Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has paid a working visit to the expansive River Park Estate in Abuja, Nigeria, a landmark 501-hectare real estate development spearheaded by Ghanaian business magnate Sir Dr. Sam Jonah and his investment firm, Jonah Capital, in partnership with Mobus Property and Houses for Africa.

The visit forms part of Ablakwa’s three-day working trip to Nigeria aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting Ghanaian businesses abroad under the government’s Economic Diplomacy Blueprint.

Mr Ablakwa was received on behalf of Jonah Capital by Mobus/Houses of Africa Nigeria CEO, Kojo Ansah Mensah, who extended a warm welcome on behalf of the project’s Ghanaian founders — Sir Dr. Sam Jonah, KBE, and Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, King of the Owirenkyi Kingdom.

In an address to the dignitaries and stakeholders present, the project’s leadership highlighted the estate’s significance as a monument to Ghana-Nigeria collaboration, dating back to 2007 when Sir Sam Jonah was appointed to Nigeria’s Honorary Investment Advisory Council by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“This is more than a real estate development,” said Mensah. “River Park is a testament to African excellence, a fusion of Ghanaian capital, Nigerian engineering, and West African community spirit.”

Despite its success, River Park Estate has faced regulatory hurdles and misinformation campaigns.

Mr Ablakwa commended Nigerian authorities, including the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, for their support in safeguarding investor interests. He emphasised Ghana’s commitment to assisting its businesses abroad: “Let River Park be a clarion call for Ghanaian and Nigerian businesses to build legacies together,” he declared.

On his official Facebook page, the minister lauded the River Park Estate as an “enduring symbol of Ghanaian enterprise and cross-border collaboration,” and assured developers of diplomatic support to navigate local challenges in Nigeria.

He concluded his visit with renewed assurances that President Mahama’s administration will actively support Ghanaian enterprises abroad while fostering intra-African collaboration.

He urged young entrepreneurs “to take advantage of our Economic Diplomacy tools to establish their presence beyond our borders. Your Foreign Ministry is always ready to facilitate and help make your vision a reality. Let’s create more Ghanaian international brands.”