By: Alexander Afriyie
A sophisticated and brazen scheme has been uncovered at the Ghanaian Embassy in the United States, where an individual allegedly diverted visa applicants to a parallel platform, charging them between $30-$60 per application. This operation, which spanned five years, generated millions of dollars in illicit revenue.
The scale and complexity of the scam raise serious questions about the level of awareness and involvement within the Embassy. It strains credulity to believe that no one else knew about this elaborate scheme, which suggests institutional complicity or willful blindness.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister’s decision to refer the matter to the Attorney-General is a welcome step. However, given the international dimensions of the scam and its occurrence on U.S. soil, it is imperative that U.S. authorities are officially notified and invited to investigate.
This case falls squarely under U.S. federal jurisdiction and may trigger the application of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Involving U.S. authorities will enable a thorough investigation, allowing them to follow the money, freeze assets, and extradite suspects if necessary.
The integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic missions and the trust of its citizens and international partners demand a comprehensive and transparent investigation. It is crucial that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such abuses in the future.