Ghana temporarily closes embassy in Washington DC due to a corruption scandal
Ghana's Embassy in Washington, DC Undergoes Overhaul Following Fraud Scandal
The Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC has undergone a significant overhaul following a fraudulent scheme that was uncovered in 2025. The embassy, which was closed in response to the allegations of corrupt practices, is set to reopen on May 29, 2025.
The fraudulent scheme involved applicants being redirected to Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), a private company owned by Fred Kwarteng. Unapproved fees, ranging from $29.75 to $60 per applicant, were charged, and funds were deposited into Kwarteng's personal account, bypassing government oversight and violating the Fees and Charges Act. The scheme was discovered during a special audit.
In an effort to restore public confidence and improve service delivery, the embassy has implemented a series of reforms aimed at transparency, efficiency, and governance reforms. These reforms include the deployment of a dedicated, home-based team from Ghana to the embassy, the rapid clearing of a backlog of over 2,200 visa applications, and the introduction of well-trained client service personnel.
The embassy has also committed to strengthening governance, transparency, and public accountability within its operations through reforms encompassing service delivery and internal controls. The reforms are designed to rebuild trust with the Ghanaian diaspora and broader US community by institutionalizing transparency and strict oversight to prevent future corrupt practices.
However, the available information does not detail specific prosecutions or legal actions against individuals involved in the fraud. The closure itself responded to allegations of corrupt practices by staff. No explicit announcements of new legal frameworks or judiciary reforms linked to this case have been reported in the sources.
Despite the lack of immediate disclosure of detailed prosecutorial proceedings, the embassy's focus on operational overhaul and governance reforms ensures improved service delivery, transparency, and accountability as foundational pillars moving forward. The reopening of the embassy marks a significant step towards rebuilding trust and restoring the embassy's reputation.
[1] Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC undergoes overhaul following fraud scandal
[2] Ghana Embassy reopens with focus on transparency and accountability
[1] The overhaul at Ghana's Embassy in Washington, DC, was triggered by a politics scandal involving policy-and-legislation violations, leading to a fraud scandal in 2025.
[2] Post-reopening, the Ghana Embassy prioritizes general-news topics such as transparency, accountability, and efficiency to distance itself from the crime-and-justice implications of the previous fraudulent activities.
