24-hour passport application service to begin this year – Okudzeto Ablakwa
Officials at Ghana’s passport application centres are set to implement a three-shift system as part of efforts to introduce a 24-hour passport application service. Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced this initiative during a meeting last Wednesday with foreign service officials, outlining a comprehensive plan to overhaul the current passport regime, which is struggling with a backlog of applications awaiting processing.
“You’ve also heard about our major reform. We want the passport administration in our country to operate 24 hours a day. This year, you need to be prepared as we will be running three shifts. We aim to reduce the waiting time for passport applications,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated. He added that the necessary logistical and financial arrangements would be made to increase capacity at passport application centres across the country.
During his vetting for the ministerial position last month, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted the severe challenges facing Ghana’s passport issuance system, including a backlog of over 70,000 uncollected passports. As part of his proposed solution to address the issues within the passport regime, the Minister, on his first official visit to selected application centres in Accra, revealed that a range of measures, including the 24-hour shift system, would be implemented.
He also stressed the need to modernise the passport application system to eliminate the frustrations that the public has long complained about. In light of the fast-paced technological developments, the Foreign Ministry announced in December last year that Ghanaian passports would soon feature a chip-embedded design with new security features aimed at enhancing security and facilitating ease of travel for Ghanaian citizens.
When asked about the timeline for the introduction of the new chip-embedded passports, the Foreign Minister stated that a firm update would be provided after the president convenes a cabinet meeting later this week. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is optimistic that these measures, along with a discounted application fee for average Ghanaians, will improve the passport application system and help bring it in line with international standards.
By: Blessed Sogah
