Could 27, 2025
Ghana’s Overseas Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, introduced the non permanent closure of its D.C. embassy to restructure after fraud.
On Could 26, Ghana’s Overseas Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, introduced the non permanent closure of the nation’s embassy.
The Washington, D.C. embassy was shut down following the invention of a visa and passport fraud scheme. An inner audit uncovered {that a} domestically recruited employees member, Fred Kwarteng, orchestrated a fraud operation. The operation is alleged to have occurred over 5 years, the BBC reported.
Kwarteng and his collaborators created an unauthorized hyperlink on the embassy’s visa web site. The hyperlink redirected candidates to Ghana Journey Consultants. Subsequently, candidates have been charged unapproved charges starting from $30 to $60 by Ghana Journey Advisor’s companies, which ought to have been processed straight by the embassy.
The false visa transaction proceeds have been then funneled to employees members’ non-public accounts. In response to those findings, Minister Ablakwa made a put up on Fb detailing the scheme and subsequent actions by the federal government. Ghana’s overseas ministry denies information of the scheme and lays the blame at Kwarteng’s toes. Based on the federal government, the staff’ actions are “illicit” and unapproved.
The Ghanaian-Washington D.C.-recruited employees have been suspended. The overseas ministry personnel in Washington have been recalled to Ghana. The Ghanaian embassy closure is anticipated to final just a few days to facilitate a complete restructuring and techniques overhaul. Stopping future misconduct is the objective of the closure.
The matter has been referred to the lawyer common for potential prosecution. The lawyer common may also search reimbursement for the stolen funds. Ablakwa careworn that the Ghanaian authorities is dedicated to zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of workplace.
Although the federal government is taking accountability and disciplining its staff, different Ghanaian officers are taking exception to the Fb press launch. Deputy Rating Member on the Overseas Affairs Committee, Nana Kwame Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, reported the considerations of many Ghanaian officers.
Ayeh believes that swift motion to make an announcement can smash the nation’s fame.
“You suppose stakeholders — just like the U.S. authorities — could be comfy coping with an embassy that Ghana’s personal minister has declared fraudulent? For this reason we insist the minister’s method was flawed.”
Whether or not the federal government has taken a success on its fame resulting from these occasions stays to be seen.
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