Ablakwa outlines bold passport reforms: home delivery, digital applications, and elimination of middlemen

The Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has proposed plans to collaborate with courier services to deliver passports directly to applicants’ homes. This initiative eliminates the inconvenience of returning to the passport office for collection. It is part of his broader strategy to reform and streamline the current passport acquisition process.

Ghana’s passport application process has long been plagued by delays, complex procedures, and the influence of middlemen. Currently, there is a backlog of over 70,000 uncollected passports.

Speaking on Friday, January 31, during his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted systemic inefficiencies, including the pervasive role of middlemen, commonly known as “goro boys.”

Mr. Ablakwa stressed the urgent need for an overhaul of the system, emphasizing that technology will be instrumental in modernizing Ghana’s passport acquisition process.

One of his key reform proposals is to eliminate the requirement for Ghanaians with a valid Ghana Card to visit the passport office for biometric data collection.

“I intend to leverage technology to reform our passport system. There is no need for Ghanaians who already have a Ghana Card to physically visit the passport office for biometrics. The system should allow them to apply for passports from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, I want to eliminate the outdated practice of requiring applicants to return to the passport office to collect their passports. Instead, we can engage courier services to deliver passports directly to applicants at home or in their offices. Modernizing the entire process, including transitioning from biometric passports to chip-embedded ones, will be a top priority.”

Mr. Ablakwa also proposed reforms within the Foreign Service, including the establishment of a specialized department focused on service delivery.

“I want to introduce clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for our ambassadors to enhance efficiency and accountability within the foreign service,” he added.