Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the arrest of Bright Mensah Bonsu, who attempted to sell Ghana’s diplomatic property in Lagos, Nigeria. He shared the news in a social media post on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Ablakwa wrote: “We got him!” The man received US$1.5 million in cash and signed documents attempting to sell a prime beachfront property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria.
Bonsu claims to have worked as a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, the former Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria. However, the US$1.5 million was not deposited into government accounts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no record of it.
Documents suggest Bonsu and his accomplices valued the Lagos property at US$5.3 million. They considered the US$1.5 million as the first installment. The plan likely failed after the 2024 election results.
Investigations are also ongoing into how Bonsu received a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023. Reports show he didn’t meet the eligibility requirements.
Despite not being an official staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria, Bonsu often accompanied the High Commissioner. As the investigation progresses, officials will examine how Bonsu justifies his actions. He claims he acted on his superiors’ instructions and had access to the property documents.
This significant development reassures Nigerian officials and the attempted buyer, who had petitioned the Mahama government for intervention. Ghana’s commitment to addressing this issue remains firm. The government promises to bring the criminals to justice and recover the US$1.5 million.
The Mahama administration will not shield any person involved in this conspiracy, which has damaged Ghana’s international image. The government also assures that the incident will not affect its strong bilateral ties with Nigeria. As the Minister emphasized: “No diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana is for sale. Severe consequences await anyone who tests our resolve.”
For God and Country.
