The Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that all outstanding passport application backlogs have been cleared, highlighting what he described as a “remarkable passport reset” driven by reforms at the Ministry.
According to him, the reforms are being driven by a commitment to “integrity, professionalism, innovation, client satisfaction, and excellence.”
Mr. Ablakwa said the reforms have significantly improved passport administration, with applications now processed within a few working days and generally under 15 days, without the involvement of middlemen or so-called “goro boys.”
In a post on social media on Saturday August 15, the minister highlighted 10 key developments in Ghana’s passport administration, including the clearance of all application backlogs.
Among the changes introduced is a new chip-embedded passport, which the Minister described as one of the most advanced and secure passports in the world.
The government has also reduced passport processing fees by 30%, while courier services have been introduced to improve convenience and facilitate faster delivery of passports at no additional cost.
Mr. Ablakwa also announced that same-day passport processing is now also possible under the new system, while applicants can digitally track their applications.
He added that the ministry has further strengthened security protocols to prevent foreigners from illegally acquiring Ghanaian passports.
The minister explained that the reforms also seek to strengthen Ghana’s international standing, noting that Ghanaian passports are now regarded among the most valuable on the continent and benefit from premium visa-waiver arrangements.
The clearance of the backlog marks a significant shift from the previous challenges associated with delays in passport processing and is expected to make access to the travel document faster and more convenient for applicants.
The minister who paid a working visit to the Passport Head Office yesterday announced special bonus to staff while congratulating them for emerging as the most transformed and least corrupt public institution, according to the recent Ghana Statistical Service report.
“I announced that all passport administration staff will receive a special bonus next week for their impressive output as highlighted by the GSS Survey,” he wrote.
