By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minister nominee for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has promised to introduce technology-driven reforms to improve Ghana’s passport application and issuance process.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, Mr. Ablakwa said the current passport system needs urgent modernisation to make it more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all Ghanaians.
He acknowledged the difficulties many citizens face in acquiring passports, including long delays, complex procedures, and the involvement of middlemen who exploit applicants.
“There are too many complaints about how difficult it is to get passports on time. I have reviewed some reports and found that over 70,000 passports are still uncollected. Additionally, there are issues with middlemen interfering in the process,” he said.
To solve these problems, Mr. Ablakwa proposed the use of digital solutions to streamline the process, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. He assured the committee that, under his leadership, the ministry would introduce a stronger online application system and simplify the biometric data collection process.
Referring to past challenges, he recalled how former Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey had expressed frustration over the delays at the passport office.
“I believe that if a Ghanaian has a Ghana Card, they should not have to go to the passport office for biometric data capture,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa’s proposed reforms aim to make passport acquisition faster and more convenient for all Ghanaians.
