Ablakwa to Address Parliament on Ghana’s Washington Embassy Closure and Reforms
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is set to brief Parliament this week regarding the recent closure and subsequent reopening of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C. The closure, initiated in late May 2025, followed the uncovering of alleged fraudulent activities involving embassy staff.
Background: Closure Due to Alleged Misconduct
The embassy was temporarily shut down after an internal audit revealed unauthorized practices, including the diversion of visa and passport applicants to a private entity, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), operated by embassy IT staff member Fred Kwarteng. Applicants were reportedly charged unapproved fees ranging from $29.75 to $60. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deemed this a breach of the Fees and Charges Act. As a result, Kwarteng was dismissed, the IT department was dissolved, and all staff posted to the embassy were recalled.
Parliamentary Scrutiny and Minister’s Response
The Minority Caucus in Parliament criticized the Minister’s decision, labeling it as “unilateral and drastic,” and expressed concerns over the lack of prior consultation with the parliamentary committee. They argued that such actions could damage Ghana’s international reputation.
In response, Minister Ablakwa defended the closure, emphasizing it was necessary to address systemic issues and restore integrity within the embassy. He highlighted that the embassy resumed operations efficiently, issuing over 800 visas on the first day of reopening. Ablakwa also clarified that no new recruitments had been made, countering allegations of political patronage.
Upcoming Parliamentary Briefing
Minister Ablakwa is expected to provide Parliament with detailed information on the measures taken to rectify the issues at the embassy, including the annulment of unauthorized agreements and the freezing of certain accounts. He aims to assure Parliament of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and the upholding of Ghana’s diplomatic standards.
Read More: Ghana Temporarily Shuts Down Washington DC Embassy Over Corruption Scandal
