The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the company at the center of the scandal involving Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., earned over $4.8 million annually through an unauthorized arrangement that diverted consular services for private gain.
Addressing Parliament on the matter, the minister disclosed that GTC, a company owned by Ernest Kwarteng a staff member of the embassy was operating illegally with the complicity of other embassy officials. Kwarteng reportedly redirected embassy clients to his private firm, charging fees for services that should have been handled by the embassy.
“This was not a rogue operation by a lone staff member,” Ablakwa told Parliament. “Our investigations show that this scheme had the blessing and active involvement of both staff and senior management of the mission.”
As part of the ongoing investigations, the minister noted that a welfare account had been created within the embassy to facilitate unapproved transactions, with Kwarteng allegedly logging funds through that channel to support illegal activities.
The Ghanaian government is now pursuing legal action against Mr. Kwarteng. State investigative agencies have been tasked with recovering the proceeds of his alleged misconduct and ensuring his extradition to Ghana for prosecution.
The scandal prompted the minister to shut down the embassy temporarily—a move that has drawn both support and criticism from lawmakers.
Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, criticized the shutdown, calling it a “wrong and counterproductive” decision that could harm diplomatic and consular operations.
However, Chairman of the Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, defended the minister’s actions and questioned the rationale behind attacks against him. “What is wrong in taking swift action to halt an illegality that tarnishes Ghana’s image?” he asked.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga also threw his weight behind the minister, applauding him for acting swiftly.
Ayariga, who represents Bawku Central, stated that embassy systems had been deliberately manipulated to facilitate the arrangement with Mr. Kwarteng.
The scandal has raised broader concerns about oversight and transparency in Ghana’s foreign missions, with calls growing louder for institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
