Foreign Affairs Minister Vows Clampdown on Corruption in Diplomatic Missions

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By: Samuel Asamoah
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has declared a firm commitment to root out corruption and enforce transparency across the country’s diplomatic missions, following what he described as “deeply troubling” findings from a recent fact-finding mission.
Addressing journalists at a press conference on Thursday, the Minister emphasized that the current administration is ushering in a “reset era” — one in which ethical governance, accountability, and rule of law will take precedence over personal gain and impunity.
“We are sending a clear message that corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office will not be tolerated. This government will not look the other way, and certainly will not be complicit,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
The remarks follow an internal probe which uncovered questionable dealings involving Ghana’s embassy and a private courier firm allegedly linked to Mr. Fred Kwartin. The probe revealed that the said company had been engaged to handle services for the mission under what the Minister described as an “unconventional and troubling contract.”
Concerns Over Dubious Contract
According to the Minister, the contract lacks basic legal elements such as a fixed term, termination clauses, and stipulated charges — raising fears that the agreement could function as a blank cheque for the company involved.
“What makes this case alarming is that the contract doesn’t indicate a start or end date, there are no caps on fees, and there’s no evidence it went through the required procurement or ministerial approvals,” he added.
Hon. Ablakwa questioned the rationale behind outsourcing such services when other Ghanaian missions, such as the one in New York, work directly with established international courier companies like FedEx and UPS without intermediaries.
“Why should this company be given such exclusive privileges? What makes it so special?” he queried.
The Minister further revealed that there is no documentation within the Ministry confirming the existence or approval of the agreement. This raises significant questions about the ambassador’s authority to unilaterally enter into such arrangements without clearance from the Ministry or adherence to Ghana’s financial and diplomatic regulations.
Breach of Financial Protocols
Highlighting the regulatory infractions, the Minister pointed out that, under Ghana’s financial laws, the Head of Chancery — and not the Ambassador — is the designated officer to sign contracts and oversee financial commitments on behalf of the mission.
“This is a serious breach of protocol and an affront to the accountability structures we are mandated to uphold,” he stressed.
Hon. Ablakwa assured that appropriate actions will be taken against all individuals found to have acted outside their remit, and insisted that reforms are underway to ensure Ghana’s foreign missions operate within strict legal and ethical boundaries.
“We are determined to restore confidence in the operations of our foreign missions. The reputation of the Ministry and the country must not be compromised,” he affirmed.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that the Ministry is committed to transparency and will not hesitate to revoke dubious contracts, sanction culpable officials, and report findings to relevant anti-corruption bodies for prosecution if necessary.