Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC to Reopen May 29 After Massive IT Breach & Fraud Scandal

/ Foreign Affairs Ministry Deploys New Diplomats, Shuts Down Embassy IT Department, and Launches Forensic Audit

Following a major cyber breach and fraud case, Ghana’s embassy in DC is set to reopen on
May 29 with new safeguards.

The Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC is set to reopen on Thursday, May 29, after a temporary shutdown caused by a major IT security breach and an internal audit that revealed a five-year fraudulent operation.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the government confirmed that a new team of seasoned diplomats and IT professionals has been deployed to restore integrity and overhaul the embassy’s operations.

The embassy was shut down on May 26, 2025, after investigators uncovered an unauthorised consular fee collection scheme allegedly run by Fred Kwarteng, a locally recruited IT officer.

Kwarteng reportedly operated an illegal third-party platform, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), which:

੦ Redirected passport and visa applicants

੦ Charged illegal fees between $29.75 and $60

੦ Funneled payments into his personal bank account

The scheme is believed to have operated undetected for five years.

Following the scandal, the Ministry took swift corrective actions:

੦ 🔁 Recalled embassy staff from Washington

੦ 🛑 Disbanded the embassy's IT department

੦ ⚖️ Suspended all locally recruited staff

੦ 🧾 Launched a forensic audit by the Auditor General

੦ ⚖️ Attorney General’s Department is seeking to recover funds and prosecute those involved

When the embassy reopens:

੦ 💻 A completely overhauled IT system will be in place

੦ 🚫 All unauthorised platforms will be blocked

੦ 🛂 Passport and visa services will be more secure and streamlined

੦ 🏛️ Structural reforms will improve transparency and service delivery

“These proactive measures are essential in restoring accountability and ensuring that our missions abroad operate at the highest standards,” — Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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