Gov’t Collaborating with U.S. to Freeze Accounts of Embassy Fraud Suspect – Ablakwa

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the Government of Ghana is working closely with U.S. authorities to freeze the bank accounts of Fredrick Kwarteng, the main suspect at the center of a passport and visa fraud scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Ablakwa stated that this forms part of coordinated efforts to ensure justice is served and all individuals involved in the scheme are held accountable.

“I want to emphasize that Fredrick Kwarteng, the prime suspect in this scandal, and any collaborators will face the full force of the law. We are actively cooperating with U.S. officials to freeze all accounts connected to this fraudulent operation,” he said.

The embassy was temporarily closed on May 26 following revelations of widespread abuse of office and illicit activities.

According to a special audit, Kwarteng—a locally hired IT staff member employed in 2017—had set up an unauthorized link on the embassy’s official website. This redirected applicants seeking visa and passport services to his private business, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC), where they were charged unapproved fees between $29.75 and $60.

Ablakwa, who also represents North Tongu in Parliament, outlined measures being taken to fully expose the extent of the fraud. “I have issued a number of directives currently being implemented. These include the formation of an internal investigative committee to vet all locally hired staff. EOCO has been officially alerted to track Kwarteng, trace the proceeds of the crime, and initiate his extradition to Ghana for prosecution,” he added.

The government says it remains committed to restoring trust in Ghana’s diplomatic institutions and ensuring that public servants operate with integrity.