215,807 Ghanaians Get Chip-Embedded Passports in Reform Push

By James Amoh Junior, GNA Accra, November 12, GNA – According to Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, a total of 2...

By James Amoh Junior, GNA

Accra, November 12, GNA – According to Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, a total of 215,807 Ghanaians have already obtained the new passports equipped with chips.

It signifies a significant step forward in the continuous digital evolution of Ghana's passport management system.

By November 11, 2025, a total of 215,807 Ghanaians from all sixteen regions had received International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant chip passports since they were introduced on April 28, 2025.

At a press conference in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa called the accomplishment "an impressive show that the passport reform is effective," pointing out that the reaction from Ghanaians showed increasing public trust in the updated system.

"We are happy to note that 215,807 Ghanaians have already obtained their passports with embedded chips. This clearly indicates that the implementation is working well and that numerous citizens are utilizing the reforms to obtain the new, valid, and technologically improved passports," he stated.

Mr. Ablakwa stated that the passport with embedded chips improves security measures and brings Ghana's travel documents in line with global standards.

It features an embedded chip that safely holds the owner's biometric data, minimizing the chances of counterfeiting and theft of identity.

He stressed that the new system was created with ease of use and availability as its main focus, pointing out that passports are now delivered straight to applicants' homes without any additional charge.

"Passports are now being delivered by courier to Ghanaians across all 16 regions, with no additional delivery charges. The delivery cost has been included in the passport application fee," he said.

The Minister praised Ghana Post and ShaQ Express, the two courier companies responsible for nationwide deliveries, for their expertise and effectiveness.

"They have excelled in providing prompt and safe deliveries. We are highly impressed with the quality they have consistently upheld," he added.

Mr. Ablakwa also verified that the passport headquarters is now open around the clock to address the increasing need and to ensure the Ministry's dedication to providing prompt services.

He commended the devotion of the passport office employees, characterizing their loyalty as nationalistic and crucial for the achievement of the reform.

The Minister stated that the electronic tracking system (e-tracking) for passport applications is now fully implemented, enabling applicants to check the progress of their applications instantly.

"You can now be informed about the status of your application once it's been approved, printed, handed to the courier, and when it's on its way for delivery. This level of visibility is part of our commitment to ensuring a hassle-free and responsible process," he explained.

He also emphasized that the entire passport reform initiative was being managed by Ghanaian firms, showcasing the government's trust in domestic capabilities, and stated, "This is a Ghanaian success story, spanning from technology to implementation. We are proud that Ghana Post, a government-owned organization, has overcome many skeptics and achieved outstanding outcomes."

As stated by the Minister, implementing the passport with a chip is a component of a larger effort to update Ghana's passport system and rebuild public confidence following years of criticism regarding inefficiencies, delays, and involvement of intermediaries.

He stated that by the conclusion of 2025, all sixteen regions in Ghana will establish their own Passport Application Centres, making it convenient for citizens throughout the nation to obtain passport services.

Mr. Ablakwa praised his team and the media for their ongoing assistance in promoting these changes, noting that the Ministry is dedicated to keeping Ghana's passport "secure, respected, and valued" within the international community.

He urged the public to keep adopting the digital application process and to utilize the official website,www.passport.mfa.gov.gh, emphasizing that the era of depending on intermediaries had ended.

"The Ghanaian passport has become more powerful, secure, and simpler to acquire than at any time before. Every citizen of Ghana, no matter their location, deserves the right to a hassle-free and respectful process when applying for a passport," stated the Minister.

GNA

Edited by Christian Akorlie

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).