Authorities in Ghana have arrested a Belgian national, Ms Bangoura, following an Interpol Red Notice request issued by the government of Guinea.
The arrest occurred at around 5:00 am as Ms Bangoura was arriving in Ghana on a flight from Paris.
Ms Bangoura is the former partner of Brigadier-General Amara Camara, who currently serves as Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency in Guinea.
The couple share two children together.
According to preliminary details, the relationship ended in a bitter fallout, during which Ms Bangoura reportedly threatened to expose sensitive information known to her.
Fearing for her safety and that of her siblings, she subsequently fled Guinea.
Lawyers handling the case state that Guinean authorities secretly placed Ms Bangoura on an Interpol Red Notice in an attempt to compel her return to the country.
Upon her arrest at the airport, Ms Bangoura immediately notified Ghanaian immigration and security officials that her life would be in grave danger if she were extradited.
She has formally expressed her intention to apply for political asylum in Ghana.
Legal firm Merton & Everett LLP has been retained to represent Ms Bangoura in the matter.
Legal counsel Oliver Barker-Vormawor confirmed the firm’s engagement, stressing that due process must be scrupulously observed given the severe risks involved.
“We trust that due process will be followed in this matter; this time around. A life is at stake!” the legal team stated.
Ghanaian law enforcement and immigration officials have not yet released an official statement regarding the extradition proceedings or the pending asylum request.
