General News
Foreign Affairs Ministry Begins Reforms After Fourth Estate Investigation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has responded to an undercover investigation by The Fourth Estate into alleged irregularities surrounding attestation services at state institutions.
In a press statement issued in Accra on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of an online report published by The Fourth Estate on September 2, 2026, and commended the media organisation for its investigative work and contribution to good governance, public accountability and operational efficiency.
The Ministry stressed that it operates a zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators involved in the acquisition of attestation documents.
According to the Ministry, management strongly condemns the activities of unscrupulous individuals who, despite having no official link to the Ministry, exploit vulnerable members of the public.
The Ministry disclosed that following a report received about the undercover investigation, the man implicated in the report, who it said is not a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had been sanctioned by his respective institution.
He has also been reported to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Additionally, the Ministry said the individual has been prohibited from entering the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry explained that the attestation process involves multiple institutions across different arms of government, making coordination among the institutions essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the process.
It said efforts to strengthen multi-institutional coordination, integrity and credibility have been ongoing for several months, a development it noted was also confirmed in The Fourth Estate’s investigative report.
The Ministry further revealed that it had already begun comprehensive reforms of its consular and attestation services before the investigation was conducted.
Among the reforms is a plan to make the payment process cashless, while digital platforms are also being developed to anchor the entire attestation process.
The Ministry said the digitalisation is intended to drastically reduce human interface and minimise opportunities for abuse.
It expressed confidence that the reforms would deliver positive results similar to those achieved through the Passport Administration system in Ghana.
The Ministry reminded the public that the Parliament-approved fee for attestation is GH¢200.
It explained that the fee is collected by officials of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, who issue the appropriate official receipts.
The Ministry therefore warned members of the public not to engage the services of middlemen, stressing that doing so is strictly illegal.
The Ministry encouraged citizens who have relevant information, enquiries or complaints concerning attestation services to contact the Ministry through:
Phone: +233 240 913 284 / +233 240 793 072
Email: info@mfa.gov.gh
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency and ethical service delivery, while assuring the public that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving the efficiency and credibility of its consular and attestation services.