Man arrested over alleged sale of Ghana’s Diplomatic Mission property in Lagos

Handcuff

Bright Mensah Bonsu has been arrested by Ghanaian security operatives. He received $1.5 million cash and signed documents to sell a prime property. This property belongs to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria.

Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the arrest. He stated, “We got him!” Bonsu claims to be a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, former Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Ablakwa emphasized that the $1.5 million was not paid into government accounts. There is no record of this cash at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Documents show that Bonsu and his collaborators valued the Lagos property at $5.3 million.

They considered the $1.5 million as just the first installment. The Minister suggested that their plans may have been disrupted by the upcoming 2024 elections.

The government is investigating how Bonsu received a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023. According to Ablakwa, he should not have qualified for it. Although often seen with the High Commissioner, Bonsu was not an official staff member.

As they prepare for criminal prosecution, it will be interesting to see how Bonsu defends his actions. He claims he acted on instructions from superiors who provided access to property documents.

Ablakwa reassured Nigerian officials and buyers that Ghana takes this matter seriously. The Mahama administration will ensure justice and recover the $1.5 million involved.

He stated that no one involved in this conspiracy would be protected or shielded from consequences. The government aims to maintain strong relations with Nigeria despite this incident.

“We promised justice will be done,” he said firmly. “No diplomatic property belonging to Ghana is for sale.” Severe consequences await anyone who challenges this resolve.