Bright Mensah Bonsu, the individual at the centre of the controversial sale of a prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria, has been arrested by Ghanaian security operatives, including elements from the National Security and the National Investigations Bureau (NIB).
Mr Mensah Bonsu, who was apprehended at his East Legon residence in Accra, allegedly received US$1.5 million, as part-payment and signed documents purporting to sell the beachfront property in Lagos belonging to the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He had previously gone into hiding, including a period spent in Qatar. He attempted to elude arrest by sneaking into Ghana by road; however, unknown to him, the state security apparatus, had laid an ambush. He was picked up and has since been in custody.
He had described himself as a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s former High Commissioner to Nigeria, appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
During this time, he allegedly defrauded Adewale Tinubu, the Group CEO of Oando PLC, a Nigerian multinational energy company operating across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.
Adewale Tinubu, a nephew of Nigerian President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, was reportedly misled into believing the deal was legitimate, raising concerns over potential diplomatic repercussions for Ghana.
Crucially, the US$1.5 million payment was not made into any official government account, and there is no record at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming the receipt or declaration of the funds.
Documents indicate that, Mr Mensah Bonsu and his collaborators, valued the property at US$5.3 million, with the US$1.5 million considered as an initial instalment. However, the outcome of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, appears to have derailed their broader scheme.
Believing they were engaging in a legitimate transaction with the Ghanaian government, Adewale Tinubu and Oando PLC, petitioned the Foreign Ministry to finalise the deal.
It was during this process that the truth about the property’s status emerged. Although, they had been handed the original land title—convincing them of the deal’s authenticity—it turned out they had been duped.
Investigations are also underway into how the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, issued Mr Mensah Bonsu, a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023, despite strong indications that he was not eligible.
He was neither a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor of the Ghana High Commission in Nigeria, although he was frequently seen in the company of the High Commissioner.
As criminal prosecution looms, attention has now turned to how Mr Mensah Bonsu intends to substantiate his claim that he acted under the instructions of unnamed superiors, who allegedly granted him access to sensitive documents related to the property.
This latest development is expected to reassure Nigerian government officials and the potential buyer—both of whom have lodged formal petitions with the current Mahama administration—that the Ghanaian government is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
The Mahama government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice and recovering the US$1.5 million.
“The Mahama administration will not shield anyone involved in this grand conspiracy—one that not only violates the law but tarnishes Ghana’s enviable international reputation,” said Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The government also emphasised its resolve to preserve the strong bilateral ties between Ghana and Nigeria, refusing to allow this unfortunate episode to cast a shadow on the two nations’ historic relationship.
“We promised that justice would be done, and we are keeping our word. Let me reiterate for the umpteenth time: no diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana is for sale. Severe consequences await anyone who dares test our resolve,” the Foreign Minister vowed.