Bright Mensah Bonsu, the individual accused of receiving $1.5 million in cash for the alleged sale of a prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana’s High Commission in Nigeria, has finally been arrested by Ghanaian security operatives. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mensah Bonsu claimed to be a special aide to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s former High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The alleged scam involves the sale of a prime Lagos beachfront diplomatic property, which Mensah Bonsu and his collaborators valued at $5.3 million. The $1.5 million payment, considered the first installment, was not made to government accounts, and there’s no record of it being officially declared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the transaction and the involvement of Mensah Bonsu and others.
The government is taking this matter very seriously, and authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding Mensah Bonsu’s issuance of a diplomatic passport in October 2023. Despite Mensah Bonsu’s claims of being a special aide to the former High Commissioner, it’s unclear how he was eligible for a diplomatic passport. The investigation will likely uncover more details about Mensah Bonsu’s role and the extent of his involvement in the alleged scam.
The Mahama administration has assured that they’ll do everything to bring the perpetrators to justice and recover the $1.5 million. The government is committed to protecting Ghana’s international image and maintaining its great bilateral relations with Nigeria. As the investigation continues, it’s expected that more individuals may be implicated, and the government will take decisive action against those found guilty.
The arrest of Bright Mensah Bonsu is a significant development in the case, and the government will likely face pressure to ensure that justice is served. As the case unfolds, it will be important to examine the systemic failures that allowed this alleged scam to occur and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be crucial in restoring public trust and maintaining Ghana’s reputation on the international stage.
In the coming weeks, the prosecution of Bright Mensah Bonsu will be closely watched, and it will be interesting to see how he justifies his claims of acting on superior orders. The government’s determination to recover the stolen funds and hold those responsible accountable will be a key aspect of the case. Ultimately, the outcome will have implications for Ghana’s fight against corruption and its commitment to protecting public assets.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
