Man, who allegedly sold Ghana's diplomatic mission property in Lagos arrested - Ghana Business News

The Property in Lagos

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 2024 elections.

Ablakwa also mentioned an investigation into how Bonsu received a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023. He questioned Bonsu's eligibility for such a passport under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government.

Bonsu was not an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria. However, he was often seen with the High Commissioner.

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 gave him access to property documents.

Ablakwa assured Nigerian officials and buyers that Ghana takes this matter seriously. They are committed to bringing those involved to justice and recovering the $1.5 million.

He stated that no one involved in this conspiracy would be protected by the Mahama administration. 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.