Accra, Ghana – The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a series of major reforms aimed at enhancing Ghana’s passport administration system.
The announcement was made following his working visits to the Passport Head Office and the Accra Passport Application Centre earlier this week.
During his visit, the minister commended staff for their dedication and significant contributions over the years.
He also took the opportunity to outline the “Resetting Ghana Passport Reforms,” a set of initiatives designed to modernize and improve passport services in the country.
The key reforms to be implemented this year include:
24-hour Passport Operations: The government plans to introduce round-the-clock operations to create more jobs and ensure passports are processed and delivered within one week.
Full Modernization of the Passport Application Process: In anticipation of the rollout of chip-embedded passports, the passport application process will undergo a full-scale modernization to align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Courier Delivery of Passports: To enhance convenience, passports will now be delivered by courier services across the country, eliminating the need for applicants to travel to Passport Application Centres (PACs) to collect their documents.
Reduction in Passport Application Fees: The cost of applying for an ordinary passport will be reduced, making it more affordable for all Ghanaians.
Improved Staff Welfare: The welfare of passport administration staff will be enhanced as part of the reforms.
In response to concerns raised by staff regarding water supply challenges, the minister fulfilled a promise to address the issue by installing multiple water dispensers at two Passport Application Centres within 18 hours of the request.
Minister Ablakwa expressed optimism about the future of passport administration in Ghana, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving service delivery.
“Exciting times for passport administration in Ghana. We shall reset Ghana; we shall not disappoint,” he stated.
The reforms are expected to streamline passport processing, improve efficiency, and make services more accessible to Ghanaians nationwide.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
