Foreign Affairs Ministry sanctions man implicated in Fourth Estate attestation investigation

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has sanctioned a man implicated in an undercover investigation by The Fourth Estate into attestation services and reported him to law enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Ministry said it had taken note of an investigative report published by The Fourth Estate on September 2, 2026, concerning the operations of state institutions involved in attestation services.

The Ministry commended The Fourth Estate for its investigative work, noting that such efforts contribute to promoting good governance, public accountability and improved service delivery.

The Ministry, however, stressed that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators involved in the acquisition of attestation documents.

“The Ministry’s Management condemns the reported practice of unscrupulous middlemen without any official link to the Ministry whatsoever, who take advantage of vulnerable citizens,” the statement said.

According to the Ministry, the individual implicated in the investigation is not a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It explained that following a report received concerning the investigation, the man was sanctioned by his respective institution and subsequently reported to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Ministry also disclosed that the individual has been prohibited from entering its premises.

“The said gentleman has also been prohibited from entering the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement added.

The Ministry explained that the attestation process involves several institutions across different arms of government, making effective coordination essential to maintaining integrity and credibility.

It said efforts to strengthen coordination among the institutions involved in the process had been underway for several months, even before The Fourth Estate conducted its investigation.

The Ministry further disclosed that it had already begun comprehensive reforms aimed at improving its consular and attestation services.

As part of the reforms, the Ministry is working to make payments for attestation services cashless, while digital platforms are also being developed to support the entire attestation process.

“These reforms are being pursued to anchor the entire attestation process and drastically reduce human interface,” the Ministry stated.

It expressed confidence that the reforms would deliver results similar to those achieved in the administration of passports in Ghana.

The Ministry also reminded the public that the Parliament-approved fee for attestation is GH¢200, which is collected by officials of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, who issue official receipts.

It cautioned citizens against using middlemen to obtain attestation documents.

“No one should engage the services of middlemen — it is strictly illegal,” the Ministry warned.

The Ministry further urged members of the public with information, enquiries or complaints concerning attestation services to contact the Ministry on +233 240 913 284 or +233 240 793 072, or via info@mfa.gov.gh.