The Government of Ghana has ordered the immediate return of all Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the previous administration.
The directive, signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, was sent to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The notice states that the recall is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s government’s efforts to streamline the issuance of official travel documents and ensure their proper usage in accordance with national and international standards.
The directive also seeks to protect the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic relations by preventing the misuse of these high-level passports.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify all holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports issued under the previous administration to return their documents by the compliance deadline of January 24, 2025.
A thorough verification process will be conducted to ensure that the returned passports meet the current eligibility criteria for issuance.
Diplomatic and Service Passports are primarily issued to government officials, diplomats, and select high-ranking individuals representing Ghana on official business.
Misuse of these passports can pose serious security and reputational risks to the nation.