Ghana’s Embassy in Washington Reopens
The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., has officially resumed operations today, May 29, following a temporary closure due to a major IT security breach and allegations of internal corruption.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirmed the reopening, announcing enhanced security protocols and a newly appointed diplomatic team aimed at restoring transparency and efficiency in consular services.
The closure stemmed from an investigation revealing that a locally recruited IT staff member had created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website, redirecting visa and passport applicants to a private entity that charged unapproved fees. The fraudulent scheme reportedly operated undetected for several years, leading to a full recall of home-based staff and the suspension of local employees pending further investigations.
In response, the Ministry deployed an Information Technology team to revamp the embassy’s website and payment systems, ensuring the removal of all unofficial links and reinforcing cybersecurity measures. Additionally, a senior officer has been tasked with leading a new team of diplomats to oversee operations, implement structural reforms, and rebuild public trust in the mission.
The case has been referred to the Auditor-General and Attorney-General for further review and potential sanctions against those responsible. Meanwhile, the Ministry has assured the public that service backlogs will be cleared promptly and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the temporary disruption.
With operations now back on track, the embassy aims to provide secure, efficient, and transparent consular services, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and accountability.