By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
Residents of Sefwi Wiawso and surrounding districts in the Western North Region will no longer have to travel to other parts of the country to access passport services following the commissioning of a new Passport Application Centre in the area.
The Centre was commissioned on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, as part of government efforts to decentralise passport administration and improve access to public services.
“Residents will no longer have to access passport services from other regions,” the Deputy Minister said while addressing the gathering at the event.
Mr. Quayson explained that the establishment of the centre forms part of broader reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance efficiency, transparency and security in passport administration across the country.
He also expressed appreciation to regional authorities and stakeholders for their cooperation in making the facility a reality, noting that collaboration at the local level remains critical to the success of government programmes.
“The reforms we are undertaking are aimed at ensuring efficiency, transparency and security in passport administration,” he stated, while thanking regional authorities for their support.
As part of the commissioning ceremony, five applicants who had successfully applied for passports at the Sefwi Wiawso centre were presented with their passports by the Deputy Minister, symbolising the operational readiness of the facility.
The Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum, described the commissioning as a major milestone for the region, stressing that the centre brings essential services closer to residents and reduces the burden of travel.
“This is a major milestone for the Western North Region, as it brings passport services closer to our people,” the Regional Minister said.
He further expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for approving the establishment of the centre, and urged staff of the facility to uphold professionalism, integrity and transparency in their work.
The event was attended by District Chief Executives in the region, the Regional Deputy Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), heads of security agencies, as well as religious and traditional leaders.
