By: Ashiadey Dotse
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that government will commission newly built Passport Application Centres in all six newly created regions this December.
Mr. Ablakwa said this is the first time in Ghana’s history that every region will have its own passport centre, removing the need for citizens to travel long distances to other regions for biometric services.
He noted that the move fulfils a promise he made earlier in the year to establish seven centres in areas previously without them. He added that passport application fees have also been reduced by 30 percent from GHS500 to GHS350 to make the process more accessible.
Marking one year since the government was voted into office, the minister stated that the initiative is part of a commitment to “reset Ghana” and ensure citizens feel the impact of their massive support.
Mr. Ablakwa said the development is timely as football supporters prepare to travel to the United States and Canada to cheer the Black Stars.
One Response
Fantastic achievement. I am sure the best is even yet to come from the Hon. Minister and this government.
But the Hon. Minister must intervene urgently to ensure that the Nalerigu office is not changed to a different location (community against the interest of the people and also against the available official available accommodation) or left out because his effort is a great move that must not be allowed to be a source of conflict in the North East region.
Nalerigu is the North East regional capital and the commercial hub of the entire North East region. It is also the hope and focus of the people of Mamprugu because it is the traditional home. Attempts (by some persons) to move the regional passport office out of NALERIGU has a potential to create security issues.
If it will not be too much burden on the official schedule of the Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs, I will humbly request him to send an urgent team to Nalerigu to ensure the office is not shifted to any other community other than the regional capital Nalerigu.
The good efforts of the Hon Minister and the Government can not be allowed to be tuned into a source of conflict.
Nalerigu is the regional capital and once the Law, HE. the President of the Republic of Ghana has recognized it and all people in Ghana and beyond, any other person especially his appointees, must recognize this basic fact and not be using their discretion to shift the location of regional offices without reference to the the King and people of the North East in Mamprugu.
Development is a right hence people responsible for development shall do so with meaningful participation of the people