Gov’t to Establish Passport Application Centers in All 16 Regions – Minister Ablakwa

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has unveiled ambitious plans to establish passport application centers in all 16 regions of the country.

Minister Ablakwa announces plans to establish passport centers nationwide
for easier access to services

This initiative is designed to reduce the heavy reliance on the main passport application center in Accra, which has long been overwhelmed by demand. The goal is to improve accessibility and convenience for applicants, eliminating the need for long-distance travel and reducing congestion in the capital.

Responding to concerns in Parliament, Ablakwa acknowledged the struggles faced by many Ghanaians who travel from far-off regions just to submit their passport applications in Accra. The government’s latest move will decentralize the process and streamline passport services.

“Our plan now is to regionalize and ensure that we have passport application centers in all 16 regions of Ghana. While there are currently no plans for district offices, we are confident that regional centers will sufficiently meet the needs of citizens,” he explained.

Currently, passport applicants face lengthy delays, difficulties in securing appointments, and extra costs associated with travel. Many Ghanaians have voiced their frustration over the slow processing times, and the establishment of these new centers is seen as a step towards a more efficient passport system.

Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the new regional passport application centers will help decentralize the entire process, making it easier and more affordable for Ghanaians across the country to access this vital service.

The government also aims to introduce modern technology to enhance service delivery, including an improved online passport application system. Ablakwa stressed that the goal is to make the application process smoother by tackling issues related to delays and the long queues often witnessed at the current passport center in Accra.

The plan to roll out passport centers in all 16 regions of Ghana is still in its initial phase, with stakeholders hoping for its swift implementation. Once finalized, the regional centers will allow Ghanaians to process their passports in their respective regions, saving them time, money, and inconvenience.

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