Ghana’s transition to a new era of secure travel documents was marked on Monday, December 2, with the launch of the chip-embedded passport by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in Accra.
This cutting-edge initiative represents a milestone in the country’s journey to enhance document security and align with global standards for biometric identification.
At the ceremony, Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, presented the first chip-embedded passport to President Akufo-Addo.
The project, initiated in 2016 under the Passports and Travel Certificates Act 1967 (NLCD 155), was executed through a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) partnership with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a Ghanaian private firm.
President Akufo-Addo hails progress
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo described the launch as a transformative moment for Ghana.
“Today is a day of pride and joy for our beloved country. The e-Passport is not just a travel document but a symbol of our progress, resilience, and readiness to embrace the future with confidence,” the President stated.
He highlighted the historical evolution of Ghanaian passports, from handwritten documents in the 1960s to typewritten machine-readable passports in the 1990s and biometric passports in 2010.
Each advancement, he said, reflects the government’s dedication to equipping Ghanaians with secure and efficient means of travel.
The President emphasized that the chip-embedded passport embodies cutting-edge technology designed to enhance security, prevent identity theft, and meet stringent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey expressed pride in the government’s dedication to transitioning from biometric to chip-embedded passports, citing its alignment with international trends and security demands.
“Ghana, as the gateway to Africa, must remain at the forefront of technological advancements in security documents,” she said, noting that the upgrade addresses modern security threats and positions Ghana for growth opportunities.
Partnerships and global recognition
The Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tamás Fehér, commended the project as a reflection of the strong partnership between Ghana and Hungary.
Similarly, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa of Biometric Travel Solutions Limited lauded the Ministry’s efforts in achieving a passport system compliant with ICAO standards.
A symbol of national identity
President Akufo-Addo affirmed that the new passport is more than a technological achievement; it is a celebration of Ghanaian identity and a pledge to safeguard the dignity of its citizens.
The document’s advanced biometric features and embedded microchip make it virtually impervious to tampering or forgery, ensuring both practicality and national pride.
With this launch, Ghana reinforces its commitment to innovation, excellence, and secure access to global opportunities for its citizens.
The chip-embedded passport stands as a testament to the country’s forward-thinking vision and dedication to global interoperability.
