ACCRA, April 23, 2025 — Ghana will officially commence the issuance of chip-embedded passports from Monday, April 28, 2025, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
The new e-passport, which was launched on December 2, 2024, is embedded with a secure microprocessor chip that contains the holder’s biometric and photographic information, offering greater protection against identity theft and fraud.
Enhanced Security and Cultural Identity
According to the Ministry, the upgraded passport includes advanced anti-fraud security features—both latent and patent indicators—making it virtually tamper-proof. It also showcases elements of Ghana’s cultural heritage, featuring Adinkra symbols such as:
- Fawohodie (Freedom and Independence)
- Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (Democracy and Cooperation)
A Citizen-Centric Passport Reform
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the e-passport represents a significant improvement over the current biometric passport system.
“This initiative is about enhancing the integrity of our travel documents, eliminating the influence of middlemen, and delivering a transparent, citizen-focused passport service,” he stated.
The e-passport rollout is part of a broader public service reform agenda led by the Ministry this year, which also includes:
- 24-hour passport operations
- Courier delivery of passports
- E-tracking systems for applications
- A 30% reduction in application fees
These reforms are designed to streamline the passport application process and make it more accessible to all Ghanaians.
A Step Toward Global Standards
E-passports are already in use in many countries, and Ghana’s adoption places it in line with international travel standards. The embedded microchip allows for machine-readable processing at borders, reducing delays and improving travel experiences.
Minister Ablakwa described the new passport system as a milestone in Ghana’s digitisation drive, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modern public service delivery.
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