Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that over 5,000 chip-embedded passports are ready for distribution across all 16 regions this week. In a post on the X platform, formerly, Twitter, on Saturday, May 10,  the minister indicated that his outfit will deliver the passports to their owners via courier service."More than 5,000 new chip-embedded passports are being delivered via courier in all 16 regions of Ghana this week. With this intervention, we have ended the phenomenon of uncollected passports due to frustration and inconvenience (remember I inherited over 70,000 uncollected passports," the minister wrote.

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Hon Ablakwa revealed that he joined officials from the Ghana Post Company on Friday May 9, to hand over some of the ready passports to Ghanaians who had applied less than two weeks ago.

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The chip-embedded passport, launched in December 2024, incorporates enhanced biometric features designed to improve travel security and streamline the application process.

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The travel document includes a microprocessor that securely holds the holder’s biometric and photo data, along with unique anti-fraud measures.

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As an upgrade to the current biometric passport, the new chip-embedded passport also boasts an improved design that reflects Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

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The passport design incorporates Adinkra symbols such as “Fawohodie” (Freedom and Independence) and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” (Democracy and Cooperation).

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The reform initiatives surrounding the new passports also include 24-hour operations, e-tracking, and reduced application fees, all aimed at improving the overall experience for applicants.

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The ministry has emphasized that the passport overhaul is an integral component of a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernizing the system, eliminating intermediaries, and ensuring a more transparent and user-centric application process.

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In addition, the rollout will include several reforms throughout 2025, such as 24/7 passport processing, courier delivery to both home and office addresses, electronic application tracking, and a 30% reduction in processing fees.

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