By: Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced sweeping and decisive actions following a special audit revealing extensive corrupt practices at Ghana’s embassy in Washington D.C.
In a Facebook post, on Monday, May 26, 2025, Mr Ablakwa said with the full backing of President Mahama, he has unveiled a series of drastic measures, including the immediate dismissal of a locally recruited IT staff member and the recall of all diplomatic personnel.
The exposé centers on Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited in 2017 to the embassy’s IT department. Investigations and Mr. Kwarteng’s own admission confirm he created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s official website.
This link surreptitiously diverted visa and passport applicants to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where he levied unapproved additional charges ranging from US29.75 to US60 per applicant. These illegal proceeds were then funneled directly into his personal account.
The fraudulent scheme is believed to have operated for at least five years.
“This conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
In a effort to address the systemic failures that allowed such corruption to flourish, Minister Ablakwa announced the following immediate actions:
* Immediate Dismissal of Mr. Fred Kwarteng: For his central role in the illicit scheme.
* Recall of All Ministry of Foreign Affairs Staff: All diplomatic personnel posted to the Washington D.C. embassy have been recalled to Ghana with immediate effect.
* Dissolution of the Embassy’s IT Department: The entire IT department at the embassy has been promptly disbanded.
* Suspension of All Locally Recruited Staff: All other locally recruited staff at the Washington D.C. embassy have been suspended pending further investigation.
* Forensic Audit Initiated: The Auditor-General has been invited to conduct a comprehensive forensic examination of all transactions to determine the full extent and total cost of this elaborate fraudulent scheme.
* Temporary Closure of Embassy: Ghana’s embassy in Washington D.C. will be closed for a few days to facilitate ongoing restructuring and a complete systems overhaul.
The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed regret for any inconvenience these “radical measures” may cause visa and passport applicants, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to stamping out corruption.
He added that President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest, and blatant abuse of office.
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