National Security arrests KIA COVID-19 infrastructure manager

A Nigerian businessman in Ghana, Ben Peters, was arrested on April 7, 2025. National Security operatives detained him for allegedly blocking a key road near the Jubilee House in Accra.

The incident took place near an estate in Kanda. This estate houses several diplomats, including the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana and his family.

Mustapha Gbande is the Deputy Director of Operations at the Jubilee House. He stated that Peters and about 25 others obstructed access to the estate for over three hours. Gbande described this as a deliberate act stemming from a private business dispute.

The group reportedly had between 60 and 70 members. They arrived in convoy-style with some dressed in black suits and white shirts. Their pick-up trucks had sirens blaring.

Gbande expressed concern about Peters' power to flout laws in Ghana. He said it was unlawful behavior that rendered citizens helpless. As a result, Peters was handed over to police for further questioning.

During the arrest, security officials found armed men posing as private security with Peters. They also discovered police motorbikes and an SUV meant to escort him from one of the apartments in the estate.

Peters claimed he owned several units in the estate. He blocked the road after being denied extra keys by the estate developer. Gbande confirmed that about 20 to 25 individuals were arrested during this operation.

Initial reports suggested that Peters resisted arrest until Ibrahim Mahama arrived. However, Gbande dismissed these claims, stating that it was actually Greater Accra Police Command's intervention that subdued Peters.

Regarding Peters' business dealings, Gbande revealed he had links to managing Ghana’s COVID-19 infrastructure project under former President Akufo-Addo’s administration. "He allegedly handled payments and logistics during that period," he said.

Gbande condemned the incident strongly. He emphasized that Ghana cannot allow foreign nationals to violate its laws or undermine national security. “We shouldn't run a country where individuals can hold an entire community to ransom,” he stressed.