The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commissioned the first-ever Passport Application Centre (PAC) in the Upper East Region, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to key government services.
Addressing chiefs and residents during the commissioning, Mr. Ablakwa expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded him and assured that the remaining regions without PACs would receive theirs by December this year.
“I remain committed to my pledge of ensuring that by December this year all the seven regions in Ghana without PACs shall have this unacceptable situation resolved — one fixed, six more to go,” he stated.
The Minister further highlighted major reforms undertaken in Ghana’s passport acquisition process, including the enhancement of security protocols with artificial intelligence and the full integration of all PACs nationwide to block blacklisted applicants from bypassing restrictions.
He cautioned foreigners against attempting to acquire Ghanaian passports, emphasizing that anyone caught would face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Mr. Ablakwa also confirmed that anticipated passport fee reductions will take effect in the coming days upon the maturation of the new Fees and Charges Legislative Instrument in Parliament.
According to him, all newly onboarded regions will benefit from recent service upgrades, including ICAO-standard chip-embedded passports, e-tracking, courier delivery, and an expedited maximum processing duration of 15 days.
He noted that the initiative forms part of the Mahama administration’s commitment to inclusive development and equitable distribution of government services nationwide.
“Every part of Ghana, including the 1.3 million people of the Upper East Region, deserve fair access to government services,” he affirmed.
The Minister also commended local communities and associations for their partnership and support toward the successful rollout of the service.
