Ablakwa cracks whip on corruption at Ghana's Washington DC embassy

In a major anti-corruption effort, President John Dramani Mahama supports Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa. He announced strict measures to tackle fraud at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC.

A recent audit revealed serious issues. Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member hired in August 2017, was dismissed. He allegedly ran an illegal scheme that diverted visa and passport fees into his private account.

The audit found that Kwarteng created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website. This link redirected applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC). Applicants were charged extra fees of $29.75 to $60, violating the Fees and Charges Act.

This fraudulent operation is believed to have lasted for at least five years. The case has been sent to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and fund recovery.

In response to the audit findings, Mr. Ablakwa took several decisive actions:

1. Dismissed Fred Kwarteng.
2. Recalled all Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff from the Washington DC embassy.
3. Dissolved the embassy’s IT department.
4. Suspended all locally recruited staff.
5. Requested a forensic audit by the Auditor-General to assess financial losses.
6. Temporarily closed the embassy for restructuring and system improvements.

“These steps are necessary,” Ablakwa stated, “to restore integrity and transparency.” He reaffirmed that the Mahama administration is committed to zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.

Visa and passport services will resume after the restructuring process is complete.