Ghana Embassy Fraud Case: Official Denies Wrongdoing, 800+ Visas Issued After Reopening

Ghana's Washington Embassy Fraud Case: Former IT Head Denies Misconduct, Over 800 Visas Issued After Reopening The Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. recently faced allegations of fraud involving its former IT head, Fred Kwarteng. Kwarteng has vehemently denied all claims of financial misconduct and unauthorized business dealings. These allegations led to a temporary closure of the embassy. However, following an investigation, the embassy reopened, and according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, issued over 800 visas on its first day of operation. "I did not divert any government funds," Kwarteng stated in an interview. He insisted that embassy officials and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were fully informed of his activities. Minister Ablakwa, in a social media post, confirmed the high volume of visa issuances, stating, "From the briefing I have received, our reopened embassy in Washington DC issued over 800 visas yesterday on the first day of resumption. I expect this level of efficiency, professionalism and integrity to continue." He also announced that a 2023 unauthorized agreement between Kwarteng and a top embassy official has been declared null and void. Further details, including frozen accounts and other remedial actions, will be presented to Parliament next week. The swift reopening and high visa issuance rate demonstrate the embassy's commitment to efficient service delivery despite the recent challenges.