Foreign affairs ministry responds to fourth estate investigation into attestation services
Written by; Regina Bless
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to an investigative report by The Fourth Estate concerning alleged irregularities in the acquisition of attestation services by state institutions.
In a statement issued in Accra on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Ministry commended The Fourth Estate for its investigative work, noting its contribution to promoting good governance, public accountability and operational efficiency.
The Ministry, however, assured the public that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators involved in the acquisition of attestation documents.
Management condemned the reported activities of individuals described as unscrupulous middlemen who, according to the Ministry, have no official links to the institution but allegedly take advantage of vulnerable citizens.
The Ministry disclosed that following a report on the undercover investigation, the individual implicated in the matter, who it said is not a staff member of the Ministry, had been sanctioned by his respective institution and reported to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The individual has also 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 and indicated that efforts to strengthen coordination and integrity across the process have been ongoing for several months.
It further revealed that comprehensive reforms of its consular and attestation services were already underway before the investigation was conducted.
Among the reforms is a move towards making payment of the applicable fees cashless, alongside the development of digital platforms intended to support the entire attestation process and significantly reduce human interaction.
According to the Ministry, the reforms are expected to deliver improved efficiency and transparency, similar to reforms implemented in Ghana’s passport administration.
The Ministry also clarified 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 the appropriate receipts.
It therefore cautioned members of the public against engaging middlemen for attestation services, stressing that such practices are strictly illegal.
The Ministry urged the public to use the official channels for attestation services as it continues with reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and service delivery.