Bright Mensah Bonsu, the man suspected to be behind the attempted sale of Ghana’s diplomatic property located at a Lagos beachfront in Nigeria, has been arrested.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the arrest in a Facebook post, revealing that Bonsu was apprehended by Ghanaian security operatives.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, Bonsu allegedly received US$1.5 million in cash and signed documents purporting to sell the prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria.
The suspect reportedly identified himself as a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s former High Commissioner to Nigeria, who was appointed by former President Akufo-Addo.
However, Mr. Ablakwa clarified that Bonsu was not an official staff member of either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria, despite often being seen in the company of the late High Commissioner.
“It is important to emphasize that the US$1.5 million cash was not paid into government accounts, nor is there any record at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating that the cash was officially declared,” the Minister stated.
He further revealed that documents show Bonsu and his collaborators had valued the prime Lagos beachfront property at US$5.3 million, and the US$1.5 million was intended as the first installment.
Mr. Ablakwa suggested that the outcome of Ghana’s 2024 elections might have thwarted the group’s plans.
The Minister also disclosed that investigations will extend to the circumstances surrounding the issuance of a diplomatic passport to Bonsu on October 18, 2023, by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration — despite indications that he did not meet the eligibility criteria.