Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated the Oti Region Passport Application Centre, expanding access to passport services and easing long-standing travel burdens for residents.
Speaking at the commissioning on Monday, Ablakwa said applicants in the region would no longer need to undertake six-hour journeys to Accra for biometric registration and subsequent collection. He described the move as part of government efforts to ensure fair access to public services across all 16 regions.
The minister announced several new features at the centre, including a 30 per cent reduction in processing costs, electronic tracking, courier delivery, expedited same-day services and passport delivery within 15 days.
Ablakwa also outlined heightened security measures aimed at preventing foreigners from illegally acquiring Ghanaian passports, noting Oti’s status as a border region. He said he had held meetings with regional security chiefs to secure their cooperation.
The minister thanked traditional leaders, regional authorities and stakeholders for their support, reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive national development.