Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced plans to launch a 24-hour passport service aimed at enhancing efficiency and cutting down wait times for passport processing.
During an interview on TV3 on Saturday, February 8, 2025, he stressed the importance of a more accessible and user-friendly passport system.
“It is unacceptable for Ghanaians to endure long waiting periods for passports. My vision is to establish a 24-hour service that ensures swift and reliable passport issuance,” Ablakwa declared.
Ablakwa, who is also the MP for North Tongu Constituency, was sworn in on Friday, February 7. He recognized the significant frustrations faced by many Ghanaians when seeking to obtain passports and promised swift reforms.
“We need a modern, efficient passport system that meets international standards. I am committed to making this a reality,” he stated.
He outlined that the key to achieving this would involve adopting new technologies and improving administrative processes.
“We will invest in digital solutions, expand processing centres, and enhance service delivery to ensure that passports are issued within the shortest possible time,” he explained.
Ablakwa also mentioned plans for decentralization to improve accessibility to passport services throughout Ghana.
Upon taking office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs called for cooperation among government bodies, the private sector, and citizens to ensure the success of the 24-hour passport service initiative.
He reassured Ghanaians of his ministry’s commitment to efficiency and transparency in passport issuance.
“This is about serving the people better. We will do whatever it takes to make passport acquisition a seamless process for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.
The minister also disclosed a backlog of over seventy-five thousand unclaimed passports indicating that an audit will be conducted to ensure that the backlog is cleared.