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0 The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed the arrest of Bright Mensah Bonsu, the individual at the center of a fraudulent attempt to sell a prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria.
This arrest, carried out by Ghanaian security operatives, marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into what has been described as one of the most brazen acts of diplomatic property fraud in recent history.
Details of the Fraud
Bright Mensah Bonsu, who allegedly paraded himself as a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s former High Commissioner to Nigeria (appointed by former President Akufo-Addo), received a staggering US$1.5 million in cash from an attempted buyer of the Lagos-based beachfront property.
Critically, this amount:
- Was never paid into any government account
- Was not declared to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Forms only the first installment of what documents reveal to be a $5.3 million property transaction
Illegal Issuance of Diplomatic Passport
Minister Ablakwa revealed further that Bright Mensah Bonsu was issued a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023, during the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration—despite not being a staff member of the Ministry or the High Commission.
Investigations are ongoing into how this passport was issued and under whose authority.
Criminal Proceedings Expected Soon
With Bonsu’s arrest secured, the Ministry is now preparing for criminal prosecution. Minister Ablakwa hinted at more revelations to come, especially regarding Bonsu’s claim that he acted on the instructions of superiors who allegedly granted him access to official documents.
“It would be interesting to see how Mr. Mensah Bonsu backs his claims,” the Minister noted.
Ghana’s Commitment to Justice and Bilateral Ties
The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, remains resolute in its mission to:
- Recover the US$1.5 million
- Bring all perpetrators to justice
- Preserve Ghana’s diplomatic integrity
- Protect the country’s bilateral relations with Nigeria
Minister Ablakwa assured the public and Nigerian authorities that the Mahama administration will not shield any culprits, regardless of political affiliation or past associations.
“Let me state for the umpteenth time, no diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana is for sale — severe consequences await anyone who tests our resolve,” he emphasized.
