Ghana Closes Washington D.C. Embassy After Visa Fraud Scandal Involving Embassy IT Staff
Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa announces temporary closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C. after audit uncovers visa fraud scheme by staffer Fred Kwarteng. Staff recalled, embassy under forensic audit.
Isaac Mintah 
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C., following revelations of widespread corruption, fraud, and abuse of office uncovered by a special audit team.
The announcement was made by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Monday, May 26, who described the move as “regrettable but necessary” to protect the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic services.
“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,” Ablakwa said.
Shocking Revelations: Unauthorized Fees Collected for Visas and Passports
At the heart of the scandal is Fred Kwarteng, a locally hired IT officer at the embassy since August 2017. According to the audit report:
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Kwarteng created a clandestine link on the official Ghana embassy website.
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This redirected visa and passport applicants to his private business, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC).
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He charged unauthorized fees ranging from $29.75 to $60—none of which were approved under Ghana’s Fees and Charges Act.
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These payments went directly into his personal account and reportedly continued undetected for at least five years.
The matter has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for criminal prosecution and recovery of stolen funds.
Embassy Staff Recalled, IT Department Dissolved
As part of the immediate corrective measures:
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All Foreign Affairs Ministry staff at the Washington D.C. embassy have been recalled to Accra.
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The entire IT department has been dissolved.
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All locally recruited staff have been suspended pending further investigations.
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The Auditor-General will conduct a full forensic audit to determine the total financial loss to the state.
Temporary Closure to Clean House
Hon. Ablakwa admitted the decision would inconvenience citizens and foreign nationals requiring consular services but said it was vital to rebuild public trust.
“President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest, and blatant abuse of office,” he affirmed.
