In a bold and sweeping move, the Government of Ghana has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington DC following the uncovering of a major corruption scandal involving visa and passport processing. The decision comes after a special audit ordered by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed a sophisticated scheme of financial impropriety allegedly orchestrated by a member of the embassy’s IT department.
Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited staff member hired in 2017, has been dismissed with immediate effect after admitting to diverting applicants seeking consular services to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). Investigations found that he created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website that redirected visa and passport applicants to his firm, where he imposed extra, unapproved charges ranging from $29.75 to $60 per person. The proceeds from the fraudulent scheme were funneled into Kwarteng’s personal account.
“The investigations reveal that this illegal operation had been running for at least five years, without the knowledge or approval of the Ministry or Parliament,” said Minister Ablakwa in a public statement. “This is a gross violation of the Fees and Charges Act and a betrayal of public trust.”
The scandal has triggered a chain of rapid reforms at the mission. All Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff posted to the Washington DC embassy have been recalled, the IT department has been dissolved, and all locally recruited staff suspended. The Auditor-General has also been tasked to conduct a forensic audit to determine the full extent and financial impact of the fraud.
The embassy will remain closed for a few days as part of a full systems overhaul and restructuring process. While this may temporarily inconvenience Ghanaians in the U.S. seeking consular services, the government says the measures are necessary to restore integrity and accountability at the diplomatic mission.
“This government, under President Mahama’s leadership, remains committed to zero tolerance for corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office,” Ablakwa added.
The case has been referred to the Attorney-General’s office for potential prosecution and the retrieval of misappropriated funds.
