Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Minister of Foreign Affairs has revealed Ghana is collaborating with U.S. authorities to freeze the bank accounts of the former Head of IT at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C, Fred Kwarteng.
Fred Kwarteng is the main suspect in the alleged visa and passport fraud scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The sector minister confirmed that a formal petition has been submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate Fred Kwarteng over allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
He is also quoted by Onua TV to have stated, that Fred Kwarteng earned $4.8 million annually from the visa and passport fraud.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated, “EOCO has been petitioned to probe Alfred Kwarteng, trace the proceeds of crime, and have him brought to Ghana for prosecution”.
“I underscore that Felix Kwarteng, the principal suspect in this case, along with any accomplices, will be held fully accountable under the law. This includes cooperating with US authorities to freeze the accounts linked to this criminal enterprise”
“To manage the high volume of applications, the Mission’s working hours have been extended from 8 AM to 8 PM, with some staff working beyond 10 PM. I must commend the commitment of our diplomats in rising to the challenge and ensuring that Ghanaians receive timely services,” he said.
He further stated, “The Mission’s IT infrastructure has been fully reconfigured. A lighting system has been introduced, and an official email system established to promote professionalism. Three new phone lines have also been added”.
“So far, 25 staff have been interviewed. A few individuals have voluntarily resigned, and the remaining staff are scheduled to be interviewed this week. A comprehensive report will be presented once the inquiry concludes”.
“Approximately 490 fully issued visa packages on June 6, 2025, were not properly scanned. This has understandably raised concerns among applicants,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fred Kwarteng has boldly stated he did not engage in any illegality at the embassy.
The former IT staff denied allegations that he diverted Ghana’s embassy funds.
According to Fred Kwarteng, his work has positively impacted many Ghanaians, and officials within both the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were fully aware of his activities.
He further urged Ghanaians to focus on the value of the services he has been providing rather than his personal earnings.
