In a bold move to tackle corruption within Ghana's diplomatic mission, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced significant changes following allegations of fraudulent activities at the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, D.C. These actions come in the wake of disturbing revelations that have raised concerns about the integrity of the embassy’s operations.
On May 26, 2025, Minister Ablakwa took to his social media accounts to disclose the immediate termination of Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a member of the local staff within the embassy’s IT department. Kwarteng is embroiled in a widespread fraud scheme that involved the unauthorized imposition of fees on visa and passport applicants. According to reports, he created a dubious link on the embassy’s official website which redirected applicants to his private venture, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). This maneuver allowed him to pocket additional charges ranging from $29.75 to $60 without any authorization from the Ministry or parliamentary oversight.
Minister Ablakwa shared that investigations indicate Kwarteng’s fraudulent activities had been ongoing for a minimum of five years, indicating a deeply entrenched system of corruption. “This conduct is a serious breach of public trust,” he stated, emphasizing that authorities are taking a strong stance against such malpractice. The case has been escalated to the Attorney-General's office for potential legal action, with efforts underway to recoup funds lost due to these illicit practices.
In light of these events, Minister Ablakwa has ordered the immediate recall of all staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stationed at the Washington embassy. Furthermore, he has suspended all locally hired personnel in a bid to reinforce accountability within the mission. The embassy’s IT department, perceived as a critical area of concern, has also been disbanded to prevent any future wrongdoing.
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Acknowledging the potential inconvenience these sweeping changes may cause applicants seeking visas or passports, the minister reassured the public of the government's unwavering commitment to combatting corruption. “President Mahama’s administration is dedicated to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, conflicts of interest, and flagrant abuse of power,” he concluded, signaling a new era of transparency and integrity within Ghana’s diplomatic missions.