The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana will introduce a 24-hour passport application service before the end of the year. This initiative aims to address the longstanding challenges associated with passport acquisition, including delays, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption within the process.
Ablakwa made the revelation during a parliamentary session, emphasizing that the government is working to modernize and streamline the passport application system to improve service delivery for Ghanaians.
Faster and More Efficient Passport Processing
According to the lawmaker, the introduction of the 24-hour passport issuance service will provide Ghanaians with a fast-track option for urgent travel needs while maintaining security and verification standards.
“We are taking decisive steps to ensure that by the end of this year, Ghanaians will have access to a 24-hour passport application service. This is part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency at the Passport Office and eliminate unnecessary delays,” Ablakwa stated.
Currently, passport processing in Ghana can take several weeks, with an express service option reducing the wait time to about a week. The new 24-hour service is expected to cater to individuals who require passports urgently, such as those traveling for medical emergencies, academic pursuits, or business engagements.
Technology and Digitization at the Core
Ablakwa highlighted that the success of this initiative will depend heavily on digital transformation and the adoption of modern technology at the Passport Office.
“This system will be driven by technology to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce human interference, which often leads to delays and corruption,” he explained.
The government is expected to roll out an online appointment and tracking system that will allow applicants to monitor the progress of their passports in real time. Additionally, biometric verification and document authentication processes will be automated to speed up approvals.
Public Reactions and Stakeholder Views
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. Some Ghanaians have welcomed the move, citing the frustration of waiting weeks or even months for a passport. Others, however, have raised concerns about the affordability of the fast-track service and whether it will benefit only the wealthy.
A traveler, Emmanuel Owusu, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating:
“This is a great step forward. Many of us have missed travel opportunities because of delays in getting passports. A 24-hour service will make life much easier.”
However, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) have urged the government to ensure that the service is affordable and accessible to all citizens, not just the privileged few.
“While this is a positive development, the government must ensure that it does not become a luxury service that only a select group of people can afford. Transparency and fairness in pricing will be key,” said GII Executive Director, Mary Awuni.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency
In response to concerns about pricing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured Ghanaians that while the 24-hour service will come at a premium, it will be reasonably priced and not exclude ordinary citizens.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, explained:
“There will still be the standard and express services available at their current rates. The 24-hour option will be an added service for those who urgently need their passports processed.”
He also noted that additional passport application centers will be established in various regions to reduce congestion at the main Passport Office in Accra.
What Happens Next?
The government is expected to release more details on the implementation of the 24-hour passport service, including pricing, application requirements, and the locations where it will be available.
With the growing demand for passports among Ghanaians, this initiative, if successfully implemented, could mark a significant improvement in public service delivery and position Ghana as a leader in efficient passport processing within the West African sub-region.
For now, all eyes are on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Ghanaians anticipate the official launch of this long-awaited fast-track passport service.
