…With 24-hour service, courier delivery
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced five significant passport policy changes, which will take effect on Monday, April 28, 2025.
The reforms are primarily driven by local expertise—something the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed great delight about.
He noted that the reforms are also rooted in competitive procurement processes that are fully compliant with Ghana’s procurement laws, ensuring transparency and value for money.
The measures are designed to enhance service delivery, improve security, and make passport acquisition more accessible and affordable.
A fully integrated online passport application system is also being implemented. It will enable citizens to apply, pay, and book appointments remotely, reducing congestion at passport offices. An application tracking system will inform applicants of their progress.
Mr Ablakwa, extended heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the introduction of the new chip-embedded passport, particularly former Foreign Ministers Hanna Serwaa Tetteh and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, for their tireless efforts and dedication, which were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
The new policies, include a switch from biometric to chip-embedded passports, a 24-hour passport service, Courier-based delivery of passports to applicants’ doorsteps, the introduction of electronic tracking (e-tracking) services, and a 30% reduction in passport application fees, from GHS 500 to GHS 350.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Wednesday, 23 April, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing affordability with high security in the passport acquisition process. Biometric Travels Solutions (BTS), a Ghanaian entity, is executing the contract in partnership with ANY Security Printing Company.
“I am also grateful to the experts who ensured that our passport meets international standards and best practices, and to the technical teams, transaction advisors, consultants, manufacturers and suppliers—ANY and BTS—as well as the staff of the Ministry, including the Passport Office, for managing the rollout of this new passport. I am particularly delighted that the transition to chip-embedded passports has been led by Ghanaians,” he said.
He further emphasised, “It is refreshing to highlight that the commercial aspects of our reforms were all carried out through competitive procurement processes in strict compliance with Ghana’s procurement laws, and in the ultimate interest of transparency and value for money.”
The Ministry, believes these changes will significantly improve the overall experience for passport applicants while strengthening the integrity of Ghana’s travel documents.
The Minister described the development as a significant milestone in Ghana’s document security history. “After years of dedication and hard work, we are proud to roll out our new chip-embedded polycarbonate passport and to announce major passport reform policies.”
Ghana’s journey with chip-embedded passports began in 2010 with the introduction of biometric passports. However, the inclusion of a microchip containing the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, was initially left out.
Efforts to incorporate the chip were reactivated in 2016 but were not realised. In 2018, the previous government established a committee to facilitate implementation, leading to the official launch of the chip-embedded passport on 2 December 2024. However, full rollout did not occur. Following the elections, the new Mahama administration reviewed the initiative to align it with a broader vision for passport reforms.
“This cutting-edge travel document embodies our commitment to security, innovation, and international standards,” Ablakwa stated. “The rollout of this new passport on 28 April is not just a routine update—it represents a major leap forward in our efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the integrity of Ghana’s travel documents.”
The new passport sets a new benchmark for document security by incorporating advanced features such as nanotechnology and micro radio frequency identification (RFID) chips.
The polycarbonate passport boasts over 100 overt and covert security features, making it virtually impossible to forge. A state-of-the-art multi-layer compressed polymer for the biographical data page guarantees integrity against conventional document crimes. It meets the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), specifically ICAO Document 9303, which provides guidelines for Machine-Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and ePassports.
“We have worked closely with international and local partners and experts to ensure that our passport meets the highest standards of security and authenticity,” the Minister noted. “This modernisation effort is designed to enhance border security, reduce identity fraud, and streamline international travel for Ghanaians.”
He strongly warned against using middlemen, commonly referred to as “goro boys”.
“As we roll out our cutting-edge chip-embedded passport, we categorically state that the era of middlemen and unofficial agents operating within our passport offices is unequivocally over. We strongly advise all citizens to interact directly with official channels and adhere to established procedures when applying for or renewing passports,” he stated.
“Our goal is to ensure a seamless, transparent, and efficient process for all, while safeguarding the integrity of our passport system and minimising fraud and corruption.”
On 13 March 2025, the Minister informed Parliament that the government had developed a comprehensive implementation strategy to decentralise passport enrolment and issuance across the country. Currently, only nine of the sixteen regions have passport offices. A new office in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, is expected to open by the end of 2025. The Ministry plans to establish centres in the remaining six regions to ensure nationwide accessibility.
A fully integrated online passport application system is also being rolled out. It will allow citizens to apply, pay, and book appointments remotely, reducing congestion at passport offices. An application tracking system will keep applicants informed of their progress.
The system now links with the National Identification Authority (NIA), allowing applicants’ data, including biometric details and Ghana Card numbers, to be seamlessly verified.
To raise awareness, the Ministry has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign beginning 23 April to educate the public on the new passport features, application procedures, and associated benefits.
Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s intention to make the passport more affordable. “In our efforts to make passports more accessible to all Ghanaians, and per the instructions of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we are reducing the cost of the ordinary 32-page passport from GHS 500 to GHS 350—a 30% reduction.”
He confirmed that the process to amend the Fees and Charges Act is underway and expected to be completed when Parliament resumes, noting that Cabinet approval has already been secured.
A 24-hour passport processing and delivery service will also commence on 28 April 2025. “Applicants can now have their passports delivered securely to their doorstep,” he said. “It is important that accurate addresses and contact details are provided to facilitate seamless delivery.”
Partnering with reputable courier companies, the Ministry guarantees secure and reliable distribution both locally and internationally.
He warned: “Any unscrupulous conduct—including the phenomenon of ‘goro boys’—will not be tolerated. That era is over. The so-called quota has not been factored into the design of this new system. Officers at passport application centres must avoid errors, or they will be surcharged to cover the cost of reissuing application forms to affected applicants.”
Ablakwa urged citizens to “strictly adhere to lawful procedures” when acquiring passports. “Please deal directly with Ministry staff—you do not need a middleman. We are here to serve you with honesty and diligence. Our goal is to make your passport application experience pleasant and convenient.”