Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has paid a working visit to the Passport Head Office in Accra to congratulate management and staff for what he described as significant improvements in passport administration.
The visit followed a recent Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) survey which identified the Passport Office as the most transformed and least corrupt public institution among those assessed.
Mr. Ablakwa commended passport administration staff for their performance and announced that all passport administration staff will receive a special bonus next week in recognition of their impressive output highlighted by the GSS survey.
According to the Minister, the government remains committed to pursuing what he described as “radical reforms” in passport administration, anchored on integrity, professionalism, innovation, client satisfaction and excellence.
Ten key achievements under the Passport Reset
The Minister highlighted ten major developments which he said demonstrate the transformation taking place within Ghana’s passport administration system:
- Advanced biometric passports: Ghana now has a highly secure, chip-embedded passport incorporating modern security features.
- Enhanced international value: Ghanaian passports have gained increased recognition and access to premium visa-waiver arrangements.
- Clearing of backlogs: Passport application backlogs have been cleared following the introduction of 24-hour operations.
- Faster processing: Applications can now be processed within a few working days, generally under 15 days, without the involvement of intermediaries or so-called “goro boys.”
- Reduced fees: Passport processing fees have been reduced by 30 per cent, making passport acquisition more affordable.
- Courier delivery: Courier services have been introduced to improve convenience and facilitate faster delivery of passports.
- Same-day processing: Applicants can now access same-day passport processing under the accelerated service arrangements.
- Digital tracking: Applicants can digitally track the progress of their passport applications.
- Stronger security: Enhanced security protocols have been introduced to prevent foreigners from illegally acquiring Ghanaian passports.
- Nationwide access: Passport Application Centres are now available in all 16 regions of Ghana, expanding access to passport services beyond the major urban centres.
The reforms form part of efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to modernise passport administration, improve public-sector service delivery and restore public confidence in the passport acquisition process.
Mr. Ablakwa reiterated that the reform agenda would continue, with emphasis on integrity, professionalism, innovation and client satisfaction.
He expressed appreciation to passport officials for their dedication and urged them to sustain the momentum.
