The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a final call to passport applicants with incomplete submissions under the previous application system, urging them to complete their processes within 90 days in order to access the newly introduced chip-embedded passport.

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As Ghana transitions to this advanced travel document, the Ministry has clarified that applicants with unfinished applications will not be required to make any additional payments to finalise their process.

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“All applicants with incomplete applications are assured that they will not be charged again to complete the pending applications,” the Ministry assured.

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To resume and complete their applications, affected persons are required to log onto the newly introduced portal at passport.mfa.gov.gh and follow the on-screen instructions.

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The Ministry also outlined important guidelines for applicants:

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Individuals who began the process using the old platform must complete their submissions within 90 days;

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Those who have already secured appointments through the old system are to visit the Passport Application Centres as scheduled for their biometric capture;

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Applicants who missed their scheduled appointments on April 28 and 29, 2025, are advised to report to their designated centres for further assistance.

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Any applicant seeking clarification is encouraged to contact the Ministry’s 24-hour hotline at 0302-754-200.

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According to the Ministry, approximately 30,000 legacy applications remain on the old system, with 7,900 of those being incomplete but already paid for.

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The rollout of Ghana’s new passport marks a significant upgrade from the outgoing biometric system, aligning with global travel standards. The document boasts 175 security features and is reinforced with nanotechnology to guard against counterfeiting and environmental damage. It also includes a compressed polymer-based biographical page, which users are urged to treat with care.

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While holders of valid biometric passports can continue using them until 2030, they have the option to upgrade at any time.

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Deputy Head of the Ghana Immigration Service’s Document Fraud Expertise Center, Superintendent Frank Apronti, cautioned users on proper handling of the new passport. “Avoid exposing the document to heat, liquids, or other chip-based cards to prevent damage or data corruption,” he warned.

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In a light but pointed advisory during the launch event, the Foreign Affairs Minister urged the public to avoid applying spiritual substances to the passport. “Please, no anointing oil on these passports,” she told religious leaders.

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A ceremonial presentation of the new passport was made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, to Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, symbolising the official start of the new passport era.

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Biometric Travel Solutions led the development of the upgraded passport platform, while Troskit and Ghana Post will coordinate deliveries under a 24-hour service model. Applicants who face issues with address verification may retrieve their documents from designated Ghana Post offices at no extra cost. Each delivery package will feature tamper-evident seals for added document security.

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Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam Nartey George, announced that the enhanced delivery service will initially cover 9 out of Ghana’s 16 regions.

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The launch event brought together a number of prominent figures, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, Deputy Attorney-General Srem Sai, Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Deputy Majority Leader Ricketts-Hagan, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye, and Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach.

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Ghanaians can now begin the application process for the new passport by visiting the Ministry’s updated platform at www.passport.mfa.gov.gh.

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