Ghana is set to achieve nationwide access to passport application services by the end of this year, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Speaking at a ceremony in Accra to present diplomatic passports to five eminent Ghanaians, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that the last seven regions without passport application centres will have fully functional facilities before December 2025.
“We still have seven regions without passport application centres. I am delighted to announce that by December, we will ensure every region has one, starting with Bolgatanga this month,” the minister said.
The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to decentralise passport services and expand access to citizens across Ghana. Until now, applicants from underserved regions were compelled to travel long distances, often to Accra, Kumasi, or Tamale, to apply for or collect passports.
By extending centres to all regions, the Foreign Affairs Ministry aims to ease this burden, cut down on costs and travel time for applicants, and ensure more equitable access to essential identity documentation.
Mr Ablakwa further highlighted significant reforms already implemented within the Ministry, which he said are transforming Ghana’s passport acquisition process.
“The Foreign Affairs Ministry has become very efficient, and Ghanaians are already confirming that the process is now smooth. They are receiving their passports in record time and no longer have to endure the stress of visiting passport offices for collection, as passports are delivered via courier services,” he noted.
These reforms, he explained, are designed to eliminate bottlenecks that previously frustrated applicants, making the process faster, more transparent, and customer-friendly.
The announcement was made during a ceremony where diplomatic passports were presented to five accomplished Ghanaians who have excelled on the global stage:
- Wode Maya, travel vlogger and digital storyteller,
- Rocky Dawuni, Grammy-nominated reggae icon,
- Anita Erskine, broadcaster and entrepreneur,
- Ibrahim Mahama, contemporary visual artist, and
- Dentaa Amoateng MBE, British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Mr Ablakwa said the gesture was a recognition of their exceptional contributions in projecting Ghana’s image abroad and inspiring the next generation.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving service delivery across its diplomatic and consular institutions, stressing that Ghana’s international competitiveness depends on effective and citizen-friendly public services.
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