Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. is set to reopen today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, following a temporary closure ordered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Embassy was shut down on Monday, May 26, after allegations surfaced that a local IT staff member diverted funds from the Embassy’s visa section into a personal account. Minister Ablakwa disclosed the details in a Facebook post, emphasizing the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, praised the swift action. “When we see corruption… we will not condone it. We support the minister for all the actions taken. When the embassy reopens, the public will be served without an iota of corruption,” he stated.
However, the Minority in Parliament criticized the Minister’s public handling of the matter. Led by Ranking Member Samuel A. Jinapor, they expressed concern over the use of social media for announcing major foreign policy decisions, describing it as a break from Ghana’s tradition of quiet diplomacy.
“We were utterly shocked to learn of the decision through public announcements rather than prior engagement with the Foreign Affairs Committee,” Jinapor said, urging for more tactful and consultative communication.
The Minority acknowledged the importance of accountability but cautioned that public disclosures of such nature could harm the morale of foreign service officers, damage Ghana’s international reputation, and affect the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.
The Embassy’s reopening today marks the resumption of regular services as investigations continue.
