Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has temporarily shut down its embassy in Washington, D.C., following the uncovering of a significant visa fraud scheme involving a local staff member.
The closure, effective Monday, May 26, 2025, is part of a broader effort to restructure and restore integrity within the mission.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision after a special audit revealed that Fred Kwarteng, a locally hired IT staffer employed since 2017, had created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website.
This link redirected visa and passport applicants to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where they were charged unapproved fees ranging from $29.75 to $60.
These payments were funneled into Fred Kwarteng’s personal bank account, bypassing official oversight and violating the Fees and Charges Act.
“This is part of the drastic and decisive actions I have taken with the firm support of President Mahama, following the damning findings of a special audit team I put together a couple of months ago to investigate alleged corrupt practices at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C.,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
In response to the findings, the Ministry has taken several immediate actions: All Foreign Ministry staff posted to the Washington mission have been recalled, The embassy’s IT department has been dissolved and All locally recruited staff have been suspended pending further investigation.
The case has been referred to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and the recovery of misappropriated funds.
The embassy will remain closed for a few days as the Ministry finalizes the ongoing restructuring and systems overhaul.
This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within its foreign missions.
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