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We Need Further And Better Particulars, Mr Foreign Minister
The Foreign Minister has briefed Parliament on his reason for the closure of Ghana Embassy in Washington, USA.
According to the Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudjato Ablakwa, one Fred Kwarteng had some arrangement with the Ghana Embassy in Washington to render Courier Services.
The Minister further explained that a total of 200 Passports were delivered daily which summed up to about 62,500 yearly. This, Mr Ablakwa claimed, gives Mr. Fred Kwarteng about $1.8usd annually.
The Minister reported on a extended investigation into a private Visa Application Assistance Mr. Fred Kwarteng was rendering to prospective Visa Applicants for a fee ranging from *$60 to $100usd per applicant*. And thus concluded Mr Fred Kwarteng was reaping about $4.6m annually without giving the Embassy compensation.
Contrary to this report, we, ghanaians, were made to understand that monies meant for the Embassy in Washington from prospective Visa Applicants were chanelled into private account through a sophisticated electronic transaction mechanism which required immediate closure of the mission abroad. A situation which has far-fetched consequences on diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United States of America.
Now, these questions are begging for answers from the hon Minister;
1. Is Courier Services offered by a private company or person illegal. If so, does it warrant a full clossure of the Embassy?
2. Does fees charge for providing Visa Assistance to prospective applicants require approval from the Minister? And if so, is this weighty enough to warant a full closure of our diplomatic mission?
3. The Foreign Minister did not inform Parliament on the Cost of Operation associated with provision of Courier Services in a country like United States which has about 51 States. Giving a wholesale profit margin without factoring in his operational cost sounds disturbing in the ears.
It seems the President and Parliament would do us a great justice by relieving him, the Foreign Minister, of his post.
Shalom
Agyemang Richard
_(The Concerned Pattiot)_
