Ablakwa Launches Regional Passport Centre in Savannah
Ablakwa Launches Regional Passport Centre in Savannah
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially opened the first-ever Regional Passport Application Centre in the Savannah Region, marking a significant milestone in the government’s decentralisation agenda. The centre, located in Damongo, is expected to ease the burden on citizens who previously had to travel long distances to apply for passports.
Minister Ablakwa revealed that when he assumed office, only nine regions had passport application centres, but the Ministry has worked tirelessly to ensure that all 16 regional capitals have fully operational centres before the end of 2025. The centres in Bolgatanga, Dambai, Techiman, Damongo, Goaso, Nalerigu, and Sefwi-Wiawso were successfully opened within the year.
The Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, praised the government for bringing the service closer to the people, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. The Savannah Regional Minister, Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe, pledged his administration’s support to ensure the smooth operation of the Damongo centre and announced plans to allocate a two-acre parcel of land for the construction of a permanent passport office in the region.
The new centre is expected to significantly reduce the challenges residents previously faced in accessing passport services outside the region. Minister Ablakwa also outlined ongoing reforms within the passport administration system, stressing the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s passport. Strict verification processes will be enforced to ensure that only eligible Ghanaian citizens are issued the travel document.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by service commanders, traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents from across the Savannah Region. The event is seen as a major step towards improving public access to essential services and promoting national development.
The Foreign Affairs Minister’s initiative is part of the government’s broader push to make essential services accessible nationwide, reflecting its commitment to inclusive national development.
Author: Korkor Anumu
