Passports remain uncollected at passport office
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that over 70,000 uncollected passports are sitting at the passport office.
According to him, applicants have become frustrated by the acquisition process.
He added that due to this, the ministry’s new e-trackable delivery via courier will be available across all 16 regions of Ghana, from today, Monday, April 28, 2025.
In a post on his X page on April 27, he wrote, “There are currently over 70,000 uncollected passports. Frustration makes many passport applicants give up. Our convenient e-trackable delivery via courier across all 16 regions of Ghana, which commences tomorrow [Monday, April 28], will end this nightmare. We are here to serve you.”
According to the sector minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the government will also begin issuing chip-embedded passports this week.
These upgraded passports, which were launched on December 2, 2024, feature a microchip that securely stores the holder’s biometric and photographic data.
They also include advanced anti-fraud elements, with both visible and hidden security markers.
The sector minister noted that the passports offer enhanced biometric capabilities aimed at streamlining travel and strengthening document security.
The e-passports are designed to meet international standards while highlighting Ghana’s rich cultural identity.
The six policies set launched by the ministry are:
– Transition from biometric to chip-embedded passports.
– Introduction of a 24-hour passport service.
– Passport delivery service directly to applicants’ doorsteps.
– Launch of e-tracking services.
– A 30% reduction in passport application fees.
– Delivery under 15 days.
SSD/MA
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