The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, yesterday, May 6, 2025, cancelled 701 Diplomatic and Service Passports, belonging to Akufo-Addo government officials and individuals who no longer hold public office.
The revoked passports, include those issued to former ministers and their spouses, ex-Members of Parliament (MPs), former members of the Council of State and their spouses, and retired justices of both the Superior and Lower Courts.
Former regional ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are also involved. Past officers of state institutions, including former board chairpersons, are also affected.
Also listed are officials associated with the National Cathedral Project, former non-career ambassadors and their dependents, religious and traditional leaders, entrepreneurs, and other former government appointees.
In an official statement dated May 6, 2025, the Ministry, announced that the cancellations cover 341 unreturned Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports, which are no longer valid for international travel.
“Consequently, owing to the failure or refusal of the holders to comply with the directive, the 341 unreturned Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports bearing the specified serial numbers have been CANCELLED with immediate effect, upon the instructions of the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs. All affected passports have been placed on the Stop List and will be confiscated if presented at any point of entry or departure,” the statement read.
Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, elaborated further in a Facebook post, stating that the cancellations, followed the affected individuals’ persistent non-compliance with President John Mahama’s directive to return the passports.
“These passports, issued under the previous administration, are now on a Stop List at all border posts and Ghanaian embassies abroad. They will be seized if any attempt is made to use them,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.
He added, “Since January, the holders have consistently refused to adhere to President Mahama’s directive, leaving us no choice but to take this action. I, however, wish to commend the 407 Diplomatic Passport holders and 403 Service Passport holders who complied and returned their passports.”