16 Regions Now Have Passport Application Centres
16 Regions Now Have Passport Application Centres
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that all 16 regions now have functional Passport Application Centres. This development is part of the government’s efforts to decentralize passport services and make them more accessible to citizens.
The establishment of these centres is expected to ease the burden on the existing facility in Accra and reduce congestion. With regional offices now operational, Ghanaians can access passport services without traveling to the capital.
The centres will offer comprehensive services, including biometric data capture and application processing. A courier service will also be implemented to deliver passports directly to applicants, eliminating the need for return visits to application centres.
The move is part of the government’s broader reform programme aimed at modernizing Ghana’s passport system, clearing application backlogs, and improving accessibility and security. The reforms have already led to reduced processing times, with standard applications now taking 15 days
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the expansion reflects the government’s commitment to equity and national inclusion, ensuring no region is excluded from vital state services. The public can now access passport services conveniently, marking a significant milestone in public service delivery.
The initiative is expected to boost economic activities, especially in the tourism and travel sectors, as more Ghanaians can now access travel documents easily.
Author: K. Mawuli
