The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that all 16 regions will have passport application centers by the end of the year.
He expressed concern over citizens travelling long distances to access passport services due to the unavailability of centers in seven regions.
“One application center will be inaugurated this month,” he stated.
The Minister made this known when he presented diplomatic passports to five individuals from the creative and tourism sector, who have been tasked with promoting Ghana and attracting investment through their work. These five includes popular African YouTuber, Wode Maya, Artist Ibrahim Mahama, celebrated Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster and international MC Anita Erskine, and entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng.
He noted that it had become imperative to honor the five individuals for their tremendous contributions over the years. Considering the difficulties they faced at some airports and borders, he explained that granting them diplomatic passports was necessary to enhance their work and eliminate bottlenecks.
He, however, stressed that “the list is not exhaustive, as many more will be honoured, but without compromising or opening the floodgates for diplomatic passport acquisition.”
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and MP for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in her virtual address from Spain, expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister for making the initiative a reality.
Highlighting the achievements of the honorees, she said the five creatives had contributed immensely to the sector and urged them to “do more” with the diplomatic passports.
