How staff of Ghana's Washington embassy were dismissed, others suspended over corruption scandal
In a statement shared via social media on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Minister announced the immediate dismissal of Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited IT staffer, who allegedly masterminded a fraudulent scheme that siphoned unauthorized fees from visa and passport applicants over several years.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has taken sweeping disciplinary action in response to a major corruption scandal uncovered at Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C.
In a statement shared via social media on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Minister announced the immediate dismissal of Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited IT staffer, who allegedly masterminded a fraudulent scheme that siphoned unauthorized fees from visa and passport applicants over several years.
Kwarteng, employed since August 2017, is accused of secretly installing a third-party link on the embassy’s website. This link rerouted applicants to a private firm he owned—Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC)—where users were made to pay additional, unapproved charges ranging from $29.75 to $60.
Minister Ablakwa disclosed that investigations revealed Kwarteng and his accomplices had operated the scheme undetected for at least five years, in blatant violation of public service ethics and financial regulations.
The matter has now been referred to the Attorney-General’s Department for prosecution, and steps are being taken to retrieve the illegally acquired funds.
“This is a grave betrayal of public trust,” Ablakwa said, vowing that those responsible will face the full rigour of the law.
In a dramatic escalation, the Minister also announced the recall of all Ghanaian diplomats stationed in Washington, as well as the suspension of all locally engaged staff. The embassy’s entire IT unit has been dissolved with immediate effect.
While acknowledging the inconvenience these measures may pose to citizens seeking consular services, the Minister emphasized that they were necessary to restore integrity and accountability within Ghana’s diplomatic service.
“President Mahama’s administration will not condone corruption, abuse of office, or any conduct that undermines public confidence,” Ablakwa affirmed.
The ministry is expected to roll out emergency protocols to ensure minimal disruption of embassy operations during the transition.