A kidnapped Irishman has been rescued from a failed ransom attempt in Ghana.
James Lafferty (49), from Ennis, Co Clare, was freed when police raided a hotel in the capital Accra where he was being held captive.
He had been held hostage for about five days while kidnappers demanded money for his release. However, after a police operation involving Interpol, gardaí and Ghanaian police, local officers moved in after a tip-off and freed him. One man was arrested.
Mr Lafferty travelled to the west African state last week. The Press Association reported that he was attempting to recover money he had invested but was taken hostage in the hotel room.
Hi s kidnappers contacted family and business associates back in Ireland demanding more money.
He was freed yesterday morning. Officials from the honorary consulate in Accra are assisting him.
One man is being questioned by Ghanaian police and it is understood the kidnap gang were unarmed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed consular assistance is being provided to an Irish citizen.
"He is currently safe and well in the honorary consulate in Accra after being freed by local police," a spokesman said.
"He is due to meet local police to provide them with additional information regarding his detention. Gardaí and Interpol have been informed."
A Garda spokesman said detectives in Ireland were notified of Mr Lafferty's disappearance last Friday. "One man was arrested by Ghanaian police in connection with the incident," the spokesman said.
Ghanaian police are waiting to question Mr Lafferty for a second time to get more details of what happened to him. Consular officials are also arranging for his return to Ireland. (PA)