Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recalled all diplomatic staff from its embassy in Washington, D.C., and suspended locally hired employees, following the release of an audit report that uncovered alleged fraud and systemic abuse tied to the embassy’s IT operations.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the sweeping measures on Monday, saying the embassy would close temporarily as the government undertakes an urgent restructuring and forensic audit.
According to the minister, the government’s internal investigation found that a local IT staffer, Fred Kwarteng, allegedly created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website, redirecting passport and visa applicants to a private firm he owns—Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). The company then charged applicants additional fees ranging from $29.75 to $60 per person, outside the oversight of the ministry or Ghana’s parliament.
“These illegal charges were not approved under the Fees and Charges Act,” Mr. Ablakwa stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He added that Kwarteng had admitted to operating the scheme for at least five years, diverting proceeds into his personal accounts.
Kwarteng, who was hired in August 2017, has been dismissed. The matter has been referred to Ghana’s Attorney-General for potential prosecution and recovery of funds.
In addition to recalling diplomatic staff and suspending local hires, Mr. Ablakwa said the embassy’s IT department has been dissolved entirely. The Auditor-General has been tasked with conducting a full forensic audit of all financial transactions linked to the scheme.
“These are drastic but necessary actions,” Mr. Ablakwa said. “We regret any inconvenience caused to visa and passport applicants.”
President John Dramani Mahama has backed the measures, reiterating his administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, abuse of office, and conflict of interest.
The embassy is expected to reopen following completion of the overhaul, though no specific timeline has been provided.
Source:TheDotNews