Accra, Ghana – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appeared before Parliament on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to address the alleged corruption scandal that led to the temporary closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, DC. Ablakwa’s address unveiled startling details of alleged malfeasance and financial impropriety involving a contract staff member.
According to Ablakwa, investigations have revealed that Fred Kwarteng, an IT contract staff member at the Ghana Embassy, allegedly earned a staggering $4.8 million annually by diverting embassy clients to his own company, GTC, for delivery services. The Minister explained that Kwarteng exploited his dual role as an IT contractor and service provider to illegally redirect clients, amassing a significant fortune at the expense of the state.
Ablakwa further disclosed that the suspicious activities were first flagged in November 2019 by the then Head of Chancery, H.E. Genevieve Akpaloo, now the Head of Mission in the Ghana embassy in Tokyo, Japan. Despite a formal query issued at the time, Kwarteng’s alleged unlawful activities continued for over six years, raising questions about oversight and accountability within the embassy. The case has now been handed over to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for further investigation. The revelations have sparked public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
