Ghana has taken the drastic step of temporarily closing the Ghana Embassy in US due to corruption, following the uncovering of a major scandal. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the closure on May 26, 2025, citing the need for a complete restructuring of the embassy’s operations after damning audit findings.
The investigation revealed that a locally hired IT staff member, Fred Kwarteng, had manipulated the embassy’s website to redirect visa and passport applicants to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). Applicants were charged unauthorized fees ranging from $29.75 to $60, with the payments funneled directly into Kwarteng’s personal accounts. Shockingly, this scheme had been operating undetected for at least five years.
In response, the Ghanaian government has recalled all foreign ministry staff from the Ghana Embassy in US and suspended all locally recruited employees. The embassy’s IT department has been dissolved to prevent further misconduct. Additionally, the Auditor-General has been tasked with conducting a forensic audit to determine the full extent of financial losses.
Minister Ablakwa described the closure of the Ghana Embassy in US as a necessary but regrettable measure to restore integrity to Ghana’s diplomatic operations. He emphasized President Mahama’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stating that the case has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for prosecution and recovery of misappropriated funds.
While the temporary shutdown may inconvenience those seeking consular services, the government insists that these actions are crucial to eliminating systemic corruption. The embassy is expected to reopen after completing its restructuring process.
This scandal highlights the challenges of oversight in diplomatic missions and raises questions about accountability in Ghana’s foreign service. The government’s swift response signals a commitment to transparency, but the long-term effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
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