By: Hannah Dadzie
Ghana has marked a monumental leap forward in its passport services with the official introduction and mass rollout of the highly anticipated chip-embedded passport.
The unveiling held on Monday April 28, 2025, spearheaded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signifies the commencement of extensive reforms aimed at modernizing the passport acquisition process, enhancing security, and eliminating long-standing challenges faced by Ghanaian applicants.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ablakwa declared today a “day we have been waiting for,” emphasizing that it marks the beginning of the “most far-reaching and progressive passport reforms ever experienced in our country’s entire history.”
He stated that the reforms, dubbed a “Reset,” will address persistent issues such as frustrating waiting periods, the activities of unauthorized agents, and the significant backlog of over 70,000 uncollected passports.
The introduction of the chip-embedded passport, which adheres to the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, is at the heart of these reforms. Mr Ablakwa highlighted the advanced security features of the new passport, boasting over 100 overt and covert security elements embedded within a durable polycarbonate biographical data page.
This technology, incorporating nanotechnology and a micro Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, makes the new Ghanaian passport virtually impossible to forge, ensuring greater security for citizens and the nation.
Beyond the technologically advanced passport itself, the “Reset” encompasses a suite of significant improvements to the passport application and issuance system.
Effective immediately, the Passport Head Office will commence 24-hour operations to expedite processing.
In a move to enhance convenience, passports will now be delivered directly to applicants through a courier service led by Ghana Post and Troskit, eliminating the need for multiple visits to Passport Application Centres (PACs).
In a welcome development for prospective applicants, Mr Ablakwa announced that Cabinet has approved a reduction in the passport application fee from GHS500 to GHS350. This reduction will take effect once the new Fees and Charges Act is approved by Parliament in the coming weeks.
While the new chip-embedded passports are being rolled out immediately, Mr Ablakwa assured citizens that the old biometric passports remain valid until 2030, in compliance with ICAO regulations. Ghanaians have the option to switch to the new chip-embedded passports at any time before then, especially upon renewal.
The rollout of the chip-embedded passports is expected to commence immediately, with officials urging applicants to take advantage of the new fee structure and improved services.
The Minister further assured the public that measures are being put in place to eliminate bottlenecks in the passport application process and to decentralize passport services across the country to enhance accessibility.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also underscored the potential for job creation through the enhanced delivery system, particularly strengthening Ghana Post’s operations.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation Sam Nartey George, said Ghana Post is set to expand its services to nine regions across the country as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing operations at the Passport Office.
He noted that the Ministry is collaborating with the Passport Office to streamline the delivery of passports, making the process more efficient and accessible to Ghanaians nationwide.
“Ghana is working again,” Mr. George declared, emphasizing that the ongoing reforms are part of efforts 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 long gestation period. He emphasized the importance of bold leadership in bringing such initiatives to fruition.
Mr Debrah urged public servants to be practical, innovative, and solution-oriented in their work. He stressed that serving the nation is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to deliver quality services.
