Foreign Minister Announces Arrest in Fraudulent Sale of Ghana’s Diplomatic Property in Nigeria

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially announced the arrest of Bright Mensah Bonsu, a central figure suspected to be behind the attempted fraudulent sale of a prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana in Lagos, Nigeria.

The arrest follows months of investigations into the suspicious transaction, which saw Bonsu receive US$1.5 million in cash after presenting documents falsely indicating the sale of the beachfront property owned by Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria. Authorities have confirmed that the funds were never deposited into any official government accounts, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no record of the cash being declared.

Bright Mensah Bonsu, who has described himself as a special aide to the late Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, is said to have had no official status within the Ministry or the High Commission. Despite frequently appearing alongside the late diplomat, Bonsu held no formal position that would justify his involvement in any official transaction.

Documents uncovered during the investigation suggest that Bonsu and his collaborators valued the diplomatic property at US$5.3 million, with the US$1.5 million seen as a first installment. It is believed that the unexpected outcome of the 2024 general elections disrupted their plans to complete the sale.

Minister Ablakwa has also disclosed that the government is probing how Bonsu was issued a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023, under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, despite clear evidence that he did not meet the eligibility requirements.

“As we prepare for criminal prosecution, it will be revealing to hear how Mr. Mensah Bonsu justifies his actions and backs his claim that he acted on the instructions of superiors,” Ablakwa said. “No one will be spared in this grand conspiracy to defraud the state and tarnish Ghana’s international reputation.”

The Minister reassured Nigerian government officials and the prospective Nigerian buyer that the Mahama administration is taking the matter seriously and is determined to see justice done.

“This significant development should send a clear message that we are committed to holding accountable all those involved,” he stated. “We promised that justice will be done, and we are keeping our word.”

Minister Ablakwa further emphasized that the Government of Ghana remains resolute in preserving the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria. He reiterated that no Ghanaian diplomatic property is for sale and warned that anyone who attempts such acts will face severe consequences.

“No diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana is for sale — and severe consequences await anyone who tests our resolve,” he concluded.

The government has pledged to continue efforts to recover the misappropriated US$1.5 million and bring all those involved in the scheme to justice.