Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to introduce a courier system to distribute over 75,000 unclaimed passports across the country.
Speaking on The KeyPoints on February 8, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that an immediate audit would be conducted to identify applicants and ensure proper delivery.
“We will roll out a courier system so that applicants can receive their passports wherever they are. There must be a clear indication of who the applicants are, and if addresses are available, we will call them,” he assured.
Beyond clearing the backlog, Ablakwa outlined broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency at the passport office, including digitization and operational enhancements.
He also hinted at a major review of the issuance of diplomatic passports to curb abuse and safeguard Ghana’s international reputation.
“There has been abuse. Diplomatic passports should not just be available to anyone. We need to streamline the process to protect our national security and international image,” he stressed.
Referencing NLC Decree 155, which regulates eligibility for diplomatic passports, the minister pledged strict enforcement to restore the credibility of Ghanaian travel documents.
“The way we are treated at embassies and airports depends on the credibility of our passports. We must restore their respect,” he emphasized.
Ablakwa assured Ghanaians that measures would be put in place to ensure that diplomatic passports are granted only to deserving individuals in government and foreign service.
