Ghana’s embassy in Washington embroiled in alleged corruption; staff dismissed, others suspended
In recent news, Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C. has been rocked by allegations of corruption and abuse of office, leading to the temporary closure of the diplomatic mission. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the announcement on Monday, May 26, 2025, revealing that a special audit team had exposed a fraudulent scheme at the embassy.
At the heart of the scandal is Fred Kwarteng, an IT staff member who confessed to setting up an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website. This link directed visa and passport applicants to his private firm, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where they were charged unapproved fees. The payments, which ranged from US$29.75 to US$60, were funneled directly into Kwarteng’s personal account, with investigations suggesting the scheme had been operating for several years.
As a result of these revelations, all Foreign Ministry staff stationed at the Washington D.C. embassy have been recalled to Accra, the IT department has been dismantled, and locally recruited staff have been suspended pending further investigations. The Attorney-General has been tasked with pursuing possible criminal charges and recovering misappropriated funds, while the Auditor-General will conduct a full forensic audit to determine the extent of financial loss to the state.
While the temporary closure may cause inconvenience to Ghanaians and foreign nationals seeking consular services, Mr. Ablakwa stressed the necessity of taking decisive action to cleanse the system of corruption and restore integrity to Ghana’s diplomatic operations. The government’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office remains unwavering.
In light of these unfortunate events, it’s important to remember the rich cultural heritage of Ghana, including its delicious cuisine. Ghanaian food recipes are known for their bold flavors and fresh ingredients, offering a taste of West African culinary traditions. So while the embassy undergoes its restructuring and systems overhaul, why not explore the flavors of Ghana in your own kitchen with some authentic recipes? Let’s celebrate Ghanaian culture and cuisine while the nation works to address these challenges and uphold the values of honesty and
Ghanaflare.com
