Ghana has printed a total of 161,824 chip-embedded passports since the launch of its new passport system in April this year, with 122,895 already delivered to applicants, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
The Minister, presenting the performance report of his Ministry at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, described the figures as a clear demonstration of the progress being made in overhauling Ghana’s passport administration.
He noted that the achievement reflected the government’s determination to end years of delays, backlogs, and frustration experienced by Ghanaians who applied for passports.
“As of 10th September 2025, a total of 161,824 chip-embedded passports had been printed, of which 122,895 have been successfully delivered to applicants,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He emphasised that the development was a major step in restoring dignity to Ghana’s passport administration and eliminating corruption in the process.
The Minister said the milestone represented a sharp turnaround from the situation he inherited in February, when there was a backlog of more than 70,000 unprocessed passport applications.
“The era of passport backlogs, waiting months for passports, and being exploited by goro boys is behind us, and gone for good,” he declared.
The new chip-embedded passports, introduced on April 28, 2025, contain over 175 advanced security features compared to just 32 in the old version.
They meet the highest international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making them more credible and secure for international travel.
Mr Ablakwa said the enhanced features would help prevent fraud, reduce counterfeiting, and improve Ghana’s reputation abroad.
He explained that the introduction of chip-embedded passports was part of a wider set of reforms aimed at transforming passport administration into a more accessible, efficient, and transparent system.
The Ministry has introduced a home delivery service, enabling applicants to receive their passports through courier companies.
In a symbolic gesture, the Minister personally delivered the first batch of passports to applicants at their homes and workplaces.
Applicants can now also benefit from a 24-hour passport operation system, which ensures that documents are processed and delivered within 15 days to any part of the world.
This has significantly reduced waiting times and improved public confidence in the system, Mr Ablakwa disclosed, and the Government was determined to ensure that Ghanaians no longer suffered needless delays in obtaining a basic travel document.
Access to passport services has also been expanded with the establishment of 13 Passport Application Centres across nine regions.
These include three centres in Greater Accra, two each in the Ashanti and Northern Regions, and one each in Upper West, Eastern, Central, Volta, Western and Bono.
Seven additional centres are expected to be opened soon to cover the six newly created regions as well as Bolgatanga in the Upper East. The Minister disclosed that the Bolga centre would be fully operational next month.
To make passports more affordable, the government has submitted proposals to Parliament under the new fees Bill to reduce the cost of a standard 32-page booklet from GH¢500 to GH¢350.
The Minister said the reduction would take effect once Parliament resumes and passes the Bill.
He also announced plans to introduce a same-day passport delivery service at a premium fee for applicants with emergencies, including members of the business community who require urgent documentation.
The reforms also include a modernised digital application platform, a 24-hour customer call centre, and real-time cross-verification of applicants’ data through collaboration with the National Identification Authority.
Mr Ablakwa said these innovations were crucial in eliminating fraud, improving efficiency, and ensuring fairness.
He emphasised that the progress achieved so far, particularly the printing and delivery of more than 160,000 passports in less than five months, was evidence of a complete reset of Ghana’s passport administration.
“Passports are no longer a bottleneck or a privilege reserved for those with connections. They are now accessible, secure, and delivered in record time,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the reforms were aligned with President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which prioritises efficiency, accountability, and fairness in public service delivery, adding that the Government would continue to build on the progress made to ensure that passport administration becomes a model of service delivery both at home and abroad.
“From printing and delivery to pricing and security, every aspect of passport administration has been transformed. The figures speak for themselves. This is the new Ghana we are building,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
