About 70,000 uncollected passports will be distributed through a newly introduced courier system, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

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The initiative seeks to address the backlog and ensure that applicants receive their passports without unnecessary delays. Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that a comprehensive audit would be conducted to verify applicants' details before dispatching the documents.

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“We will roll out a courier system so that applicants can receive their passports wherever they are. There must be a clear indication of who the applicants are, and if addresses are available, we will call them,” he stated.

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Beyond the courier service, the minister emphasized the need for digital transformation and operational improvements at the passport office. According to him, such reforms will not only expedite passport processing but also enhance efficiency in service delivery.

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Addressing concerns about the issuance of diplomatic passports, Mr. Ablakwa criticized the current system, stressing that these special documents should be strictly reserved for government officials and foreign service personnel.

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To prevent abuse and maintain Ghana’s international credibility, he announced plans for a thorough review of the diplomatic passport issuance process.

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This reform, he noted, would introduce stricter regulations, enhance transparency, and reinforce accountability in the management of the country’s passport system.

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