Ghana shuts down Embassy in Washington D.C. over corruption scandal

Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C. is temporarily closed.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced this decision.

He made the announcement on Monday, May 26, 2025.

The closure follows allegations of corruption and abuse at the embassy.

Mr. Ablakwa explained that this move aims to restructure operations.

A special audit team found a long-running fraudulent scheme there.

He called the closure regrettable but necessary for restoring integrity.

“This is part of decisive actions supported by President Mahama,” he stated.

The scandal involves Fred Kwarteng, an IT staff member hired in August 2017.

Kwarteng admitted to creating an unauthorized link on the embassy's website.

This link redirected applicants to his private firm, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC).

Applicants were charged unapproved fees between US$29.75 and US$60.

These payments went directly into Kwarteng’s personal account.

Investigations suggest this scheme operated undetected for five years.

The case has been referred to the Attorney-General for prosecution.

Mr. Ablakwa announced that all staff at the Washington mission have been recalled.

The embassy’s IT department has been dissolved as well.

All locally recruited staff are suspended pending further investigations.

The Auditor-General will conduct a full forensic audit of financial losses.

Mr. Ablakwa acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure.

However, he insisted that bold action is essential to cleanse the system.

“President Mahama’s government will show zero tolerance for corruption,” he emphasized.