Bolgatanga: All 16 regions of Ghana will have fully operational passport application centres by the end of December 2025, as announced by Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This initiative is part of the government's plan to decentralise passport services and make them accessible to all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ablakwa made this commitment in Bolgatanga during the commissioning of a temporary passport application centre for the Upper East Region, marking the first of its kind in the region's history. The initiative was facilitated through collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, and the Alagumgube Association, an advocacy and development-focused group in the region.
The Minister explained that currently, 10 regions, including the Upper East Region, have passport application centres, leaving only six newly created regions-Oti, Bono East, North East, Savannah, Western North, and Ahafo-without one. He stated, "There are seven regions in Ghana without passport application centres. Today, when we commission the Upper East Regional Passport Application Centre, that number will reduce to six."
Mr. Ablakwa tasked his management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that by the end of 2025, no region in Ghana would be without a passport application centre. He expressed confidence that resources and efforts are being directed towards achieving this goal for all 16 regions in Ghana.
He highlighted the historical significance of opening the Bolgatanga centre, describing it as a symbol of inclusivity and equal access to government services. He emphasized the importance of making government services available across all parts of Ghana to foster national progress and transformation.
The Minister praised the Alagumgube Association for its contributions and for mobilising resources to support the renovation of the facility. He also acknowledged the Ghana Commercial Bank for providing property for the project, describing the initiative as a mark of unity and community support.
Mr. Ablakwa outlined several reforms undertaken by the Ministry, including the introduction of chip-embedded passports meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, e-tracking systems, and courier services for passport delivery. He announced that passport processing timelines have been reduced to 15 working days, with an expedited option available for a fee.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the government has submitted new fees to Parliament to reduce the cost of obtaining a Ghanaian passport, with fees for ordinary passports set to decrease from GHC500.00 to GHC350.00 in less than 21 days.
The Minister cautioned against paying extra fees to courier officers or middlemen, as the courier service charge is included in the official passport fee. He urged Ghanaians to use the official online application portal and avoid unauthorised agents.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Ghanaian passport, highlighting tightened security protocols to prevent foreigners from acquiring it fraudulently. He concluded by presenting the first set of chip-embedded passports to seven applicants, processed within five days, demonstrating the Ministry's readiness to provide efficient passport services to the Upper East Region.