Washington embassy closure: Minority not against sanctions but... - Ayeh

Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei Ayeh is the Deputy Ranking Member of Ghana's Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee. He has shared the Minority's concerns about closing the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This decision follows a major corruption scandal.

Ayeh stated that the Minority supports punishing wrongdoers. However, he emphasized the need for more consultation before making such decisions.

He said, “We are not against sanctions or measures to punish wrongdoers. But there should have been more diplomacy and tactfulness in handling this matter.” He spoke during an interview on Joy FM's MiddayNews on May 26.

Mr. Ayeh highlighted the importance of embassies for strategic dealings. He disagreed with closing an entire embassy over fraud allegations.

He also questioned the costs associated with a temporary closure. Ayeh urged the government to consider diplomatic and operational impacts, noting investigations can continue without halting embassy operations.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the embassy's temporary closure effective May 26, 2025. Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described it as part of a “comprehensive restructuring and systems overhaul.”

This decision followed an audit revealing fraudulent activity by local staff member Fred Kwarteng. Kwarteng allegedly created an unauthorized payment portal for passport applicants.

Fees between $29.75 and $60 were charged without approval from Ghana’s Fees and Charges Act, according to the minister.

Mr. Ayeh expressed concern about how this closure was communicated publicly, especially on social media.

He asked, “Why announce sensitive details on social media while investigations are ongoing? This will damage our country’s reputation.” He questioned if any serious nation would engage with an embassy labeled as fraudulent by its own minister.