Ghana temporarily shuts embassy in US over alleged visa scandal
It is alleged that the scheme consisted of creating an unauthorised link on the embassy's website to redirect visa and passport applicants to a private firm where they were "charged extra for multiple services" without the knowledge of the foreign ministry.Ablakwa added that the staff member "kept the entire proceeds" in their private account, and that the scheme had been going on for five years.Applicants seeking visas were charged unapproved fees ranging from almost $30 (£22) to $60 by the private firm."This conduct has been reported to the attorney-general for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes," Ablakwa added.As a result, foreign ministry staff in Washington "have been recalled home" and "all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended", Ablakwa said."President [John] Mahama's government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office."
More BBC Africa stories about Ghana:
'We are poisoning ourselves': Ghana gold rush sparks environmental disaster'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me'Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crack
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
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