A forensic audit into the alleged corruption scandal at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, DC has reportedly uncovered evidence that funds collected from visa and passport applicants were channelled through an embassy welfare account before being distributed to staff.
The audit, conducted by the Auditor-General, is said to have identified Fred Kwarteng and Treasury Officer Janet Maku Koranteng as central figures in the financial arrangements under investigation.
According to details published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) platform, investigators are examining an alleged scheme through which more than US$19.4 million was reportedly collected from applicants between 2019 and 2025 through charges that allegedly exceeded approved consular fees.
Welfare account under scrutiny
A key focus of the audit is the Embassy of Ghana Welfare Account, which investigators say received funds linked to the alleged overcharging of visa and passport applicants.
The report states that Janet Maku Koranteng wrote to Citibank in March 2020 requesting the establishment of the account, which was officially opened to facilitate welfare payments to embassy staff.
However, the forensic audit reportedly found that funds connected to the alleged consular fee scheme were deposited into the account before being disbursed to employees.
Documents cited in the audit allegedly show payments of US$10,800 and US$14,400 made from the welfare account.
Citibank questioned the transactions
The audit also indicates that Citibank officials raised concerns about the source of funds being paid into the account.
According to the report, the bank questioned why Ghana Travel Consultancy LLC, a company reportedly linked to Fred Kwarteng, was making payments into an account intended for staff welfare contributions.
Investigators say the bank sought clarification on the company’s relationship with the embassy and whether it was involved in processing consular applications or simply providing courier services.
Account closed but alleged practice continued
The welfare account was reportedly closed on October 10, 2021, following intervention by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
Despite the closure, the forensic audit alleges that the practice of collecting amounts above approved visa and passport fees continued until 2025.
The report further states that Ms Koranteng later contacted Citibank to inquire whether the Welfare Committee could open another account without direct embassy management oversight, a request the bank reportedly declined.
Wider investigation ongoing
The findings have intensified scrutiny of financial management and accountability at Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Washington, with investigators examining the roles of individuals connected to the transactions.
The forensic audit forms part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities involving embassy operations, and authorities are expected to continue examining the full extent of the alleged financial losses and the identities of any officials who may have benefited from the arrangements.
The allegations contained in the forensic audit do not amount to criminal convictions, and all individuals mentioned remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless and until a court determines otherwise.
