Ghanaian passport applicants will soon have access to a 24-hour service, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepares to introduce a three-shift system at passport application centres nationwide.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced this initiative during a meeting with foreign service officials last Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to streamlining passport issuance and reducing long processing times.

“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,” he stated.

This reform comes in response to mounting concerns over the backlog of applications and inefficiencies within the current passport regime. Addressing these challenges was a key priority for Ablakwa during his vetting for the ministerial position, where he revealed that over 70,000 uncollected passports were still in the system.

As part of broader reforms, the minister visited selected passport application centres in Accra, where he outlined measures to modernize operations. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, increased staffing, and digital upgrades to eliminate delays and enhance efficiency.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has also announced plans to introduce chip-embedded passports with advanced security features. The initiative, which was first disclosed in December last year, aims to enhance travel security and align Ghanaian passports with international standards.

Providing an update on the timeline for the rollout of the biometric passports, Ablakwa noted that a formal decision would be communicated after a cabinet meeting scheduled for later this week.

In addition to these changes, the minister reassured Ghanaians that affordability remains a priority, stating that “a discounted application fee” is being considered to ensure accessibility for the average citizen.