A new twist in the unfolding embassy corruption scandal at Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. has triggered calls for an international probe, following revelations that millions of dollars were allegedly siphoned through a fraudulent visa scheme.
The latest voice demanding action is lawyer and political activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who insisted that the scale and sophistication of the alleged operation extend well beyond Ghana’s jurisdiction.
At the center of the embassy corruption allegations is a five-year-long scheme, recently disclosed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
A local IT staffer reportedly redirected online traffic from the official visa and passport portal to a shadow platform, charging unsuspecting applicants between $30 and $60 per transaction.
These fees, funneled into private accounts over several years, are believed to have amassed millions of dollars—prompting Barker-Vormawor to argue that this was “far more than a petty side hustle.”
“This was a sophisticated, sustained operation that generated millions of dollars over time. And we’re supposed to believe no one else in the Embassy knew? That this level of technical manipulation and brazen profiteering happened under the nose of diplomatic staff without any red flags raised? This isn’t just negligence—it smells strongly of institutional complicity or willful blindness.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already taken a number of swift disciplinary measures, including the dismissal of the alleged mastermind, the suspension of all local hires at the mission, and the recall of Ghanaian Foreign Service officers from the Washington office.
Hon. Ablakwa also confirmed that the matter is being referred to Ghana’s Attorney-General for possible prosecution.
However, Barker-Vormawor argued that treating this solely as a domestic misconduct issue grossly underestimates its international legal implications.
“I note that Ghana’s Foreign Minister has indicated the matter will be reported to the Attorney-General. That is welcome. But this matter also transcends Ghanaian jurisdiction.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He contended that since the fraudulent activities occurred predominantly on U.S. soil and involved victims dealing with an embassy accredited under U.S. law, the case falls squarely within the ambit of U.S. federal jurisdiction.
Embassy Corruption Case to Attract RICO Act
Furthermore, Oliver Barker-Vormawor pointed out that funds obtained through the scheme were likely laundered or used to acquire assets within the United States, a pattern that may attract the application of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
This powerful U.S. legislation is specifically designed to dismantle long-running criminal enterprises by targeting both perpetrators and accomplices, including those who may have aided the crime through negligence or tacit approval.
“The U.S. authorities must be officially notified and invited to investigate. The scale of the fraud, its international dimensions, and the use of embassy resources to facilitate extortion of vulnerable applicants all make this a matter of serious diplomatic and criminal concern.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He suggested that involving U.S. authorities would be crucial in tracing the financial trails left by the scam. “Follow the money. Freeze the assets. Extradite if necessary,” he proposed.
This call for international cooperation amplifies growing public demand for transparency and accountability in how Ghana’s missions abroad are managed.
The scandal has already led to a temporary shutdown of the Washington embassy, pending a complete audit and restructuring. Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa vowed sweeping reforms, including a forensic audit by the Auditor-General and the installation of robust internal controls.
However, for critics like Barker-Vormawor, internal fixes and symbolic dismissals are not enough.
The activist insisted that only a thorough, independent, and multi-jurisdictional investigation will restore confidence in Ghana’s foreign missions and serve justice to the victims.“The integrity of Ghana’s missions abroad—and the trust of its citizens and international partners—demands nothing less.”
As calls grow louder for both local and international prosecutions, the embassy corruption case is fast becoming a diplomatic test for Ghana’s commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and cross-border cooperation in fighting organized fraud.
READ ALSO: Gyakie on Her Mental Health
