The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced that the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C. will resume full consular and administrative operations on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

In a statement released by the Ministry, it confirmed that a team of experienced diplomats, led by a senior official, has been deployed to assume control of the Mission. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to restructure the Embassy and restore transparency and accountability in its operations.

“As part of the reforms, an Information Technology (IT) team has been tasked with reconfiguring the Embassy’s website and payment systems to eliminate all unofficial and unauthorized links previously associated with the platform,” the Ministry stated.

The Embassy was temporarily closed on Monday, May 26, after a special audit uncovered a corruption scandal involving Fred Kwarteng, a local IT staff member. Kwarteng allegedly created an unauthorized payment portal that allowed him to collect illegal fees ranging from $29.75 to $60 from passport applicants. These charges were not approved under Ghana’s Fees and Charges Act.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the temporary closure as essential for a “comprehensive restructuring and systems overhaul” of the Mission’s operations.

The case has been forwarded to the Attorney-General for potential prosecution and the recovery of misappropriated funds. Additionally, the Auditor-General has been instructed to conduct a full forensic audit to determine the total financial loss to the state.

The Ministry has reassured the public that stringent measures are being put in place to prevent any recurrence and to ensure that the Embassy operates with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency.