Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that the corrupt activities at the Ghanaian embassy in Washington DC, USA, were perpetrated by a criminal syndicate rather than an individual.
In a statement he shared on his social media on June 19, 2025, Ablakwa stated that the syndicate, along with the dismissed IT staff member, Fred Kwarteng, operated within the mission.
He noted that his ministry is collaborating with law enforcement authorities in the United States of America (USA) to freeze their accounts.
“Admissions from Fred Kwarteng himself, as well as current and former staff of the embassy, confirm that he did not act alone in this matter. It appears that there may have been a network of individuals involved in this web of corruption, which underscores the need for thorough investigation and accountability,” he made this known while addressing Parliament on the developments.
“I arrived at the Mission on 1st June 2025 to personally assess the situation on the ground. During my visit, I held meetings with both local and home-based staff, where I clearly conveyed the government’s position on the matter. I underscored that Mr. Frederick Kwarteng, the principal suspect in this case, along with any accomplices, would be held fully accountable under the law. This includes cooperating with U.S. authorities to freeze any accounts linked to the criminal enterprise,” Ablakwa stated.
Additionally, Ablakwa who is also the lawmaker for North Tongu added that he noted that the privately owned company founded by Fred Kwarteng, Ghana Travel Consult (GTC), was initially jointly owned with his ex-wife.
“The investigations revealed that Fred Kwarteng’s company, GTC, was initially jointly owned with his ex-wife, which raises additional questions about the nature of their business relationship and potential conflict of interest,” Ablakwa added.
Meanwhile, he has 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.
Read copies of his statement below;
A copy of my full presentation to Parliament yesterday on the Washington embassy scandal and progress of work regarding our surgical institutional overhaul.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 19, 2025
For God and Country. 🇬🇭 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZHBHXRuQs6
