Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced major progress in the country’s passport reform programme, with 161,824 chip-embedded biometric passports printed since the system was rolled out earlier this year.
Out of this number, 122,895 passports have already been delivered to applicants as of September 10, 2025.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15, Mr. Ablakwa described the launch of the next-generation biometric passports on April 28 as a “milestone achievement” in the Ministry’s digital transformation agenda.
“These passports incorporate over 175 advanced security features, compared to 32 in the previous version, and fully meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” he said.
“This has greatly enhanced the global credibility and security of Ghanaian travel documents.”
Key Reforms Introduced
The Minister outlined a raft of innovations that have significantly improved passport services:
- 24-hour operational system – reducing processing time and ensuring delivery within 15 days worldwide.
- Mobile passport services – introduced to assist applicants with limited mobility, starting with Hajj pilgrims.
- Home delivery option – launched in collaboration with courier companies. Mr. Ablakwa revealed he personally delivered the first batch of passports under this initiative to workplaces and homes, symbolising government’s commitment to convenience and accessibility.
Efficiency, Inclusivity, and Digital Innovation
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the reforms have drastically eased long-standing delays in passport acquisition, which had been a source of public frustration for years.
He said the reforms reflect government’s broader agenda of efficiency, inclusivity, and digital innovation in public service delivery, positioning Ghana as a leader in secure and credible travel documentation across Africa.
Source – My News Ghana
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