In a major breakthrough that could reshape Ghana’s diplomatic integrity narrative, Bright Mensah Bonsu — the man at the center of a $1.5 million cash scandal involving a prime diplomatic property in Lagos — has been arrested by Ghanaian security operatives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed the arrest in a statement, triumphantly declaring, “We got him!”
Bonsu, who allegedly posed as a “special aide” to the late Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Alhaji Rashid Bawa, is accused of fraudulently receiving $1.5 million in cash in exchange for a forged sale of a beachfront property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Lagos.
According to Minister Ablakwa, official investigations have revealed that the cash was never deposited into any government account, nor was there any record of it being officially declared to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Documents show that Bright Mensah Bonsu and his accomplices valued the property at $5.3 million. The $1.5 million cash was just a first installment in what they hoped would be a full-scale diplomatic heist,” Ablakwa disclosed.
He pointed to the outcome of Ghana’s 2024 elections as a key factor that derailed their long-term plan, suggesting the fraud might have continued unchecked under a different administration.
Equally troubling, Ablakwa revealed that Bonsu somehow acquired a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023, under the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government — despite having no official ties to the Foreign Ministry or the High Commission.
“We are actively investigating how someone with no legitimate eligibility was issued such a high-security travel document,” Ablakwa said, noting that Bonsu was often seen in the company of the late High Commissioner but held no official position.
As Ghana prepares to prosecute the case, Minister Ablakwa signaled that the arrest is just the beginning.
“It will be interesting to see how Mr. Bonsu justifies his actions — especially his claims that he acted on instructions from superiors who granted him access to official documents,” the Minister said.
He added that the Nigerian government and the prospective buyer — who had petitioned for justice — should now be assured that Ghana is committed to unearthing the truth, punishing those involved, and recovering the stolen funds.
“No one will be shielded, no matter how high-ranking. We are determined to protect Ghana’s diplomatic assets and reputation,” Ablakwa affirmed.
Ghana-Nigeria Relations Remain Intact
Despite the scandal’s cross-border implications, Ablakwa reassured the public that Ghana’s historic and strategic relations with Nigeria remain firm.
“We will not allow this criminal episode to damage the deep-rooted bilateral relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” he said.
Sending a strong warning to others who may attempt similar frauds, he concluded, “No diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana is for sale — and anyone who tries will face severe consequences.”
