Ministry of Foreign Affairs Recalls Entire Washington DC Embassy Staff Amid Corruption Probe
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has taken decisive action to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the United States. Effective immediately, all Ministry staff assigned to the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, have been recalled. Additionally, all locally recruited staff have been suspended pending further investigation.
This follows a damning audit report which uncovered significant misconduct, particularly within the embassy’s IT department. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced these actions on Monday, May 26, following recommendations from a special investigative audit team commissioned to probe allegations of corruption at the mission.
Central to the findings is the conduct of Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a locally engaged IT officer recruited in 2017. The audit revealed that Mr. Kwarteng illicitly created a link on the embassy’s official website, redirecting visa and passport applicants to his private company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). There, applicants were subjected to unauthorized charges ranging from $29.75 to $60. These fees were collected and kept in his personal account, without the knowledge or approval of the Ministry, violating the Fees and Charges Act.
Mr. Kwarteng’s employment has been terminated, and the matter has been referred to the Attorney-General for possible criminal prosecution and recovery of public funds. The embassy’s IT department has also been dissolved as part of broader reform efforts.
Furthermore, the embassy will be temporarily closed for a few days to allow for the completion of an operational overhaul. The Auditor-General has been invited to carry out a forensic audit to determine the full scope and financial implications of the misconduct.
The Government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption. While the Ministry regrets any temporary inconvenience this may cause to applicants, it assures the public that these measures are in the best interest of national integrity and diplomatic standards.
For further information, contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Email: info@mfa.gov.gh
Phone: +233 (0)302 666 500
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