Judul : 40,000 Passports Cleared as Ministry Meets 15-Day Target
link : 40,000 Passports Cleared as Ministry Meets 15-Day Target
40,000 Passports Cleared as Ministry Meets 15-Day Target
By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, November 12, GNA – The Foreign Affairs Ministry reports that it has resolved more than 40,000 passport backlogs to put an end to prolonged delays that had caused inconvenience for many Ghanaians in need of travel documents.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealed the progress at a press conference in Accra, stating that the Ministry had met its promise to remove obstacles in the passport issuance procedure and rebuild public trust in government services.
"I am happy to confirm that all the backlogs we took over, exceeding 40,000, have been resolved. There are currently no delays when applying for your passport," he stated.
He mentioned that the progress was due to several months of hard work, automation efforts, and commitment by the Passport Office team, supported by the Ministry's ongoing passport management reforms initiated earlier in April 2025.
"Our highest commitment of 15 days for standard applications to all Ghanaians has been completely put into action," he further stated.
Mr. Ablakwa stated, "Once your documents are confirmed and accepted, your passport will be delivered within 15 days, and in seven days for urgent requests."
He commended the management and employees of the Passport Office for their hard work in addressing the backlog.
"He and his team have dedicated themselves completely, working around the clock to bring this about. Their sense of national pride and dedication to quality has been remarkable," the Minister said.
The elimination of the backlog indicates the Ministry's larger reform plan focused on updating passport services via digital transformation, openness, and localisation.
Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that residents now experience a quicker and more open application procedure, backed by an electronic tracking system enabling applicants to follow the status of their requests from approval through to delivery.
Currently, you can view in real time if your application has been approved, printed, shipped, or is en route to you," he said, noting that, "Our goal is for Ghanaians to enjoy ease and transparency, rather than annoyance and ambiguity.
The Minister highlighted that the achievement was also linked to the new courier delivery system, allowing citizens to get their passports delivered to their homes via Ghana Post and Shark Express, without any extra charge.
"Applicants no longer need to pay for courier services or wait in line at offices to pick up their passports. The fee includes all costs, such as delivery. This is part of our goal to modernize, reduce the cost, and simplify the passport process," he stated.
He mentioned that the reforms were carried out without the participation of intermediaries or what are known as "Goro Boys," a situation that had previously eroded public confidence in passport management.
"We have effectively concluded the period in which Goro Boys controlled passport issuance and timing. This unlawful activity is now gone, and we will not tolerate any effort to bring it back," he cautioned.
The Minister confirmed once again that the Ministry is progressing toward setting up passport application centers in all sixteen regions of Ghana by the end of 2025.
He stated that this would guarantee that no Ghanaian would need to journey far for passport services.
The elimination of the backlog also aids in upholding the global reputation and worth of the Ghanaian passport, particularly as the nation increases its number of visa exemption agreements with allied countries.
Mr. Ablakwa characterized the achievement as "evidence of what can be accomplished via collaboration, innovation, and the determination to improve services for the public."
He also pledged that, "We promised Ghanaians a new period of effectiveness, and we have fulfilled our promise. This is only the start. We are striving daily to turn Ghana's passport system into a benchmark for Africa."
The Minister stated again that the Ministry would not ease its efforts in striving for high-quality service provision.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
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