Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., has been temporarily closed following the discovery of widespread fraud involving embassy staff.
The shocking revelation was disclosed by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Saturday, after an audit committee set up by the Foreign Ministry uncovered corrupt activities. The investigation revealed that some officers had diverted embassy funds by operating a parallel bank account to collect visa and service fees meant for the state. This scandal has led to the immediate dismissal of the head of IT, while all other staff have been recalled to Ghana pending further investigations.
The fraudulent scheme involved embassy staff creating an unauthorized bank account to siphon revenue generated from visa applications and other consular services. According to reports, this illegal operation had been running undetected for some time (about 5 years) before the Foreign Ministry’s audit exposed it. The Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed to the Daily Graphic that the Auditor-General’s Department has been called in to conduct a forensic audit to determine the full extent of financial losses and identify all individuals involved. The findings will guide further disciplinary and legal actions against the culprits.
In response to the scandal, the government has taken swift action by recalling all embassy staff and shutting down operations temporarily. A new team will soon be dispatched to Washington, D.C., to take over the embassy’s functions and restore transparency. The closure has raised concerns about disruptions in consular services for Ghanaians in the U.S., but authorities have assured the public that measures are being put in place to minimize inconvenience. The government has also emphasized its commitment to rooting out corruption within its diplomatic missions worldwide.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of corruption within Ghana’s public institutions, even in high-profile foreign missions. It also underscores the need for stricter financial oversight and accountability mechanisms in government operations. The Foreign Ministry’s decision to conduct an audit demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling malfeasance.
As investigations continue, Ghanaians await further details on the extent of the fraud and the penalties for those found guilty. The government’s decisive action sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated, especially in institutions representing the nation abroad. However, the scandal also serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure integrity and accountability in Ghana’s public service.
