Ghanaian security operatives have arrested Bright Mensah Bonsu, the man at the centre of a controversial deal involving the attempted sale of a prime diplomatic property belonging to Ghana's High Commission in Nigeria.

Bonsu allegedly received a cash payment of US$1.5 million and signed documents purportedly selling the valuable beachfront property in Lagos, without any official authorisation.

Notably, the funds were never paid into any government accounts, and there is no record at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating that the transaction was ever declared.

Describing himself as a “special aide” to the late Alhaji Rashid Bawa—Ghana’s former High Commissioner to Nigeria appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo, Bonsu is said to have had no official designation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ghana High Commission, despite being frequently seen in the company of the late diplomat.

Documents suggest that Bonsu and his associates had valued the Lagos property at US$5.3 million and treated the US$1.5 million as a first instalment.

It is believed that their plans were interrupted by the outcome of the 2024 general elections.

Authorities are also investigating the circumstances under which Bonsu was issued a diplomatic passport on October 18, 2023, by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, despite not being eligible by any known official criteria.

With criminal prosecution expected soon, observers are keenly watching to see how Bonsu will defend his actions.

He reportedly claims to have acted on the instructions of unnamed superiors who granted him access to the sensitive documents involved in the transaction.

Responding to the arrest, government officials under the Mahama administration have reaffirmed their commitment to justice, assuring both the Nigerian government and the would-be Nigerian buyer, who have petitioned for swift action, that the matter is being taken seriously.

“This latest development should send a strong message: we are committed to bringing those involved in this grand conspiracy to justice and recovering the stolen US$1.5 million,” a government source stated.

“No one will be shielded, and Ghana’s international reputation will be fiercely protected.”

Officials have reiterated that no diplomatic property belonging to Ghana is for sale and warned that severe consequences await anyone who dares to undermine the country's integrity and foreign relations.

“The Government of Ghana is determined not to let this shameful episode damage our longstanding ties with Nigeria.

We promised justice, and we are delivering on that promise,” the statement concluded.