Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced the passport office will work day, night and dawn shifts to significantly reduce passport processing times in Ghana.
The Minister indicated that the reform will ensure the Ministry operates 24 hours a day, reducing the current waiting period of three to four weeks to just a week.
According to him, this initiative is part of a broader plan to streamline passport services and enhance efficiency nationwide, and also lead to the realization of the 24 hour economy policy.
To support the new system, he said the ministry is expanding its data centers and improving facilities at its headquarters and the upgrades will include more comfortable public spaces such as conference rooms, ensuring a better experience for applicants.
He revealed that to decentralize services, the ministry is rolling out a program to establish decent passport application centers in every region.
This move according to the minster will eliminate the need for Ghanaians to travel long distances, especially to Accra, for physical assessments and other requirements.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that these reforms will also introduce an online application system for those with existing biometric records, allowing applicants to request passports and have them delivered via courier. These measures aim to modernize the process, reduce frustrations, and make passport services more accessible to all Ghanaians.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering efficient, user-friendly passport services and ensuring that every Ghanaian feels prioritized in the system.
“You have also heard about our big reforms that we want to carry out. We want the Passport Administration in our country to become a 24-hour operation,” he stated.
“This year [2025], you need to stand and get ready, prepare yourselves. We’re going to run three shifts. We want to cut down on the waiting time for passports.”
“We believe that within a week, it should be possible to get a Ghanaian passport when you apply for it. The 24-hour economy intervention we’re making will address that,” he added.
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