Update: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it would re-open its DC embassy on Thursday, 29th May, 2025
The Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shut down its embassy in Washington, DC, after a special audit uncovered a long-running fraudulent scheme.
Why it matters
The findings point to systemic abuse and unauthorized fees charged to visa and passport applicants over a five-year period — prompting an aggressive government response.
The details
According to Foreign Affairs officials, the audit revealed that:
- Fred Kwarteng, a locally hired IT staffer since 2017, created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website.
- This redirected applicants to Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) — his private company — where he charged unapproved fees ranging from $29.75 to $60 per applicant.
- Funds were deposited into his personal account, bypassing government oversight and violating the Fees and Charges Act.
What’s happening
In response, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has:
- Fired Fred Kwarteng and referred the case to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and fund recovery.
- Recalled all Foreign Affairs Ministry staff posted at the Washington embassy.
- Dissolved the embassy’s IT department.
- Suspended all locally recruited staff.
- Invited the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit of embassy transactions.
- Temporarily closed the embassy for restructuring and system overhaul.
What they’re saying:
“President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest, and blatant abuse of office,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Between the lines
The embassy closure and mass recalls suggest a deep shakeup aimed at restoring trust and accountability in Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
What’s next
Further legal action and structural reforms are expected as authorities dig deeper into the scope of the scandal.
