In a groundbreaking initiative to transform the passport acquisition process in Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a direct courier delivery service for new chip-embedded passports to applicants nationwide.
The reform officially began on Friday, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa partnering with Ghana Post for the inaugural deliveries.
During a media briefing, Mr. Ablakwa assured the public that both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana Post are dedicated to providing timely and efficient passport deliveries across the country. The Minister personally accompanied the Ghana Post courier service to various locations, including the Ghana Library Authority, Pigfarm, and the Food and Drugs Authority, where applicants received their passports. This initiative effectively eliminates the long-standing inconvenience of returning to Passport Application Centres for collection. Mr. Ablakwa expressed his satisfaction with the successful implementation of the new system, noting that some recipients had applied for their passports less than two weeks prior.
“This is what we mean by resetting. We promised that passports would be delivered within 15 days without any additional cost, and today, we are delivering on that promise,” the Minister stated.
Mr. Ablakwa announced that over 5,000 of the new, highly secure chip-embedded passports are being dispatched via courier across all sixteen regions of the country this week. This effort directly addresses the issue of uncollected passports. He clarified that the courier service is included in the standard passport fees, with no extra charges for applicants.
“The delivery process is fully covered under the standard passport fee, with no additional costs. Passports are essential documents for everyday Ghanaians, often needed for urgent travel. We’ve ensured that all stakeholders benefit from a fair cost-sharing model without burdening applicants,” Mr. Ablakwa emphasized.
The first recipient of the delivered passport, Doreen Raphala Klutse, expressed her surprise and gratitude for the convenience of the service. “I didn’t know that a passport could be delivered to me personally, let alone by the Minister himself. I’m very grateful,” Ms. Klutse said.
The launch of this courier service marks a significant milestone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts to enhance service delivery and provide greater convenience to Ghanaian citizens in obtaining essential travel documents. The initiative promises a more streamlined, stress-free, and efficient passport acquisition process for all.
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