Diplomacy/Ghana shuts down US embassy over visa fraud scandal

Ghana has temporarily closed its Washington, D.C. embassy after uncovering a five-year visa scam involving unauthorized fees and a fake website link. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the suspension following a damning audit that exposed a locally hired staffer and accomplices allegedly pocketing illicit profits.

Investigators found that applicants were redirected to a private firm charging up to $60 extra for services without government approval. The scheme reportedly funnelled all proceeds into a personal account.

All embassy staff in Washington have been recalled, and local hires suspended pending further action. The case has been referred to Ghana’s attorney-general for prosecution and fund recovery.

“The Mahama government maintains zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office,” Ablakwa stated, vowing a full restructuring of embassy operations before reopening.

The shutdown, expected to last days, underscores Ghana’s crackdown on diplomatic misconduct amid broader anti-corruption efforts