Ghana has taken a significant step forward in its passport services with the official launch and mass rollout of the highly anticipated chip-embedded passport. The unveiling, held on April 28, 2025, was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and marks the beginning of extensive reforms aimed at modernizing the passport acquisition process, improving security, and addressing long-standing challenges faced by applicants.
Minister Ablakwa declared the day a “day we have been waiting for,” emphasizing that it represents the start of the “most far-reaching and progressive passport reforms ever experienced in our country’s history.” He noted that these reforms, referred to as a “Reset,” will tackle persistent issues such as long waiting times, unauthorized agents, and the backlog of over 70,000 uncollected passports.
At the heart of these reforms is the new chip-embedded passport, which complies with the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Ablakwa highlighted the passport’s advanced security features, including over 100 overt and covert elements embedded within a durable polycarbonate data page. This new technology incorporates nanotechnology and a micro Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, making the passport virtually impossible to forge, thereby enhancing security for citizens and the nation.
In addition to the new passport, the “Reset” initiative includes significant improvements to the passport application and issuance system. Effective immediately, the Passport Head Office will operate 24 hours a day to expedite processing. Furthermore, passports will now be delivered directly to applicants through a courier service provided by Ghana Post and Troskit, eliminating the need for multiple visits to Passport Application Centres (PACs).
In a positive development for prospective applicants, Ablakwa announced that Cabinet has approved a reduction in the passport application fee from GHS500 to GHS350, effective once the new Fees and Charges Act is approved by Parliament in the coming weeks.
While the rollout of the chip-embedded passports is set to commence immediately, Ablakwa assured citizens that the old biometric passports will remain valid until 2030, in line with ICAO regulations. Ghanaians can switch to the new passports at any time before then, particularly upon renewal.
The Minister emphasized that measures are being implemented to eliminate bottlenecks in the application process and to decentralize passport services for improved accessibility across the country. He also highlighted the potential for job creation through the enhanced delivery system, particularly in strengthening Ghana Post’s operations.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Sam Nartey George stated that Ghana Post will expand its services to nine regions as part of the broader reforms to improve operations at the Passport Office. He noted the collaboration with the Passport Office to streamline passport delivery, making the process more efficient for Ghanaians nationwide.
“Ghana is working again,” Mr. George asserted, emphasizing that these ongoing reforms aim to modernize service delivery and restore public confidence in state institutions.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who officially launched the program, acknowledged the project’s lengthy development and stressed the importance of bold leadership in bringing such initiatives to fruition. He urged public servants to be practical, innovative, and solution-oriented, reminding them that serving the nation is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to deliver quality services.
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