The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that passport application centres will soon be established in all 16 regions of Ghana. This initiative aims to decentralize passport services, making it easier and more convenient for Ghanaians to acquire passports without the need for long-distance travel.
Bridging the Gap in Passport Services
Currently, passport offices are located in only a few regions, forcing many applicants to travel to Accra, Kumasi, or Takoradi to process their passports. This has led to overcrowding, long queues, and delays in passport issuance. With the new centres, the government seeks to eliminate these challenges by bringing services closer to the people.
Speaking on the development, Minister Ablakwa emphasized that every Ghanaian deserves easy access to essential services, regardless of their location.
“We recognize the struggles citizens face in obtaining passports, especially those in remote areas. This initiative will ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind when it comes to accessing essential travel documents,” he stated.
How Will Ghanaians Benefit?
The introduction of passport offices in all 16 regions is expected to provide several benefits:
✔️ Reduced Travel & Costs – Applicants will no longer need to journey long distances to major cities.
✔️ Faster Processing – More centres will help reduce delays and expedite applications.
✔️ Decongestion of Existing Centres – Overcrowding in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi offices will be minimized.
✔️ Improved Accessibility – All Ghanaians, regardless of their region, will have equal access to passport services.
Public Reactions & Concerns
Many Ghanaians have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it will end the long-standing difficulties associated with passport acquisition. However, some have raised concerns about effective implementation, staffing, and service quality at the new centres.
A resident from the Upper West Region, Kofi Nyamekye, shared his thoughts:
“It’s frustrating to travel all the way to Kumasi just to apply for a passport. This is a step in the right direction, but we hope it won’t come with new challenges like system failures and slow service.”
Some citizens have also suggested that the government introduce a fully digitized passport application system to complement the physical centres, allowing applicants to submit documents and track progress online.
What’s Next?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is expected to announce the official rollout plan soon, including the specific locations of the new centres and their operational timelines.
As Ghana moves towards modernization and efficiency in public service delivery, this initiative is set to improve convenience, boost national identity services, and make passport acquisition more seamless for all citizens.
For more updates on this story, stay tuned to AlmightyFM.com.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think the introduction of passport centres in all 16 regions will solve the current challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
