The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced investigations into two major corruption allegations involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on the management of GH¢49.72 million spent on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa and the alleged irregular issuance of diplomatic and service passports.
In a statement released on Monday, November 9, 2026, the anti-corruption agency disclosed that it was examining possible financial irregularities surrounding the government’s humanitarian operation to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
The evacuation exercise took place between May 27 and September 4, 2026, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reporting total expenditure of GH¢49,721,786.
The expenditure covered chartered flights, commercial airline tickets, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical services and reintegration allowances for the evacuated citizens.
OSP Uncovers Suspected Financial Irregularities in GH¢49.72m Evacuation
According to the Special Prosecutor, preliminary investigations have identified several financial discrepancies in the records relating to the South Africa evacuation exercise.
The suspected irregularities include duplicate payment entries, inadequate supporting documents and payment records involving individuals who have reportedly denied receiving the stated amounts.
The OSP explained that the investigation would establish whether the GH¢49.72 million in public funds was properly accounted for and determine whether any public officials or private individuals unlawfully benefited from the exercise.
The anti-corruption agency stressed that its investigation was strictly focused on the management and expenditure of public funds and should not be interpreted as questioning the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaians who were affected by xenophobic attacks.
The office assured the public that additional information would be released when appropriate.
It also emphasised that all individuals connected to the investigations remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
OSP Opens Separate Investigation into Ghana Diplomatic and Service Passport Scandal
In addition to the evacuation expenditure probe, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has launched a separate investigation into allegations of corruption and irregularities in the issuance of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports.
The investigation follows findings by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which identified 10 service passports allegedly issued through irregular procedures between January 2023 and August 2026.
The controversy also involves petitions alleging that illicit payments of US$29,000 and US$5,000 were made to secure the travel documents.
As part of the developments, two serving officers have been interdicted and referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.
The conduct of a former Director of Passports who served during the period under investigation is also expected to come under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has alleged that as many as 300 individuals may have obtained official travel documents fraudulently, including diplomatic passports.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the evidence currently identified relates to 10 service passports and not diplomatic passports.
The ministry has confirmed that all 10 service passports identified in the investigation have been cancelled.
OSP to Trace Alleged Passport Payments and Identify Persons Involved
The Special Prosecutor indicated that the passport investigation would focus on identifying the individuals involved in the alleged scheme, tracing the suspected payments and examining the procedures used to approve and issue the travel documents.
The investigation will also establish whether the actions of any public officials or private individuals constitute offences under Ghana’s anti-corruption laws.
The OSP said it would provide further updates to the public where appropriate, without compromising the ongoing investigations.
The two investigations represent separate areas of scrutiny involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with one focusing on the accountability of public funds used for the South Africa evacuation exercise and the other examining alleged corruption in Ghana’s official passport issuance system.
The outcome of the investigations is expected to provide further information on the suspected financial discrepancies, the alleged passport payment arrangements and any individuals who may be found to have breached the law.
Source: newsthemegh.com