Some 215,807 Ghanaians have successfully received the new chip-embedded passports, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has announced.
It marks a major milestone in the ongoing digital transformation of Ghana’s passport administration.
As of November 11, 2025, a total of 215,807 Ghanaians across all sixteen regions had been issued with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant chip passports since their rollout on April 28, 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr Ablakwa described the achievement as “an impressive demonstration that the passport reform is working,” noting that the response from Ghanaians reflected growing public confidence in the new system.
“We are pleased to see that 215,807 Ghanaians have already received their chip-embedded passports. This clearly shows that the rollout is effective and that many of our citizens are taking advantage of the reforms to secure the new, valid and technologically advanced passports,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa explained that the chip-embedded passport enhances security features and aligned Ghana’s travel documentation with international standards.
It contains an electronic chip that securely stores the bearer’s biometric information, reducing the risk of forgery and identity theft.
He emphasized that the new system was designed with convenience and accessibility at its core, highlighting that passport deliveries were now made directly to applicants’ doorsteps at no extra cost.
“Ghanaians in all 16 regions are now receiving their passports through courier delivery, without paying any delivery fees. The cost of delivery has been absorbed into the passport application fee,” he stated.
The Minister commended Ghana Post and ShaQ Express, the two courier partners handling nationwide deliveries, for their professionalism and efficiency.
“They have been remarkable in ensuring timely and secure deliveries. We are very proud of the high standards they have maintained,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa also confirmed that the passport head office now operates 24 hours daily to meet the growing demand and to maintain the Ministry’s commitment to timely service delivery.
He praised the dedication of the passport office staff, describing their commitment as patriotic and essential to the success of the reform.
The Minister revealed that the electronic tracking system (e-tracking) for passport applications had been fully operationalised, allowing applicants to monitor the status of their applications in real time.
“You can now know when your application has been approved, printed, handed over to the courier company, and when it is out for delivery. This transparency is part of our promise to make the process stress-free and accountable,” he explained.
He further highlighted that the entire passport reform process was being led by Ghanaian companies, reflecting the government’s confidence in local capacity, and that “This is a Ghanaian success story, from technology to delivery. We are proud that Ghana Post, a state-owned entity, has defied the doubts of many and delivered exceptional results.”
According to the Minister, the introduction of the chip-embedded passport is part of a broader initiative to modernize Ghana’s passport administration and restore public trust after years of complaints over inefficiencies, delays, and middlemen interference.
He announced that by the end of 2025, all sixteen regions of Ghana will have their own Passport Application Centres, ensuring that citizens across the country have easy access to passport services.
Mr. Ablakwa commended his team and the media for their continuous support in communicating these reforms, adding that the Ministry remained committed to ensuring that Ghana’s passport “remains secure, respected, and valued in the community of nations.”
He called on the public to continue embracing the digital application process and to make use of the official website, www.passport.mfa.gov.gh, stressing that the days of relying on middlemen were over.
“The Ghanaian passport is now stronger, more secure, and easier to obtain than ever before. Every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live, should have the right to a convenient and dignified passport application process,” the Minister affirmed.
Source: GNA
Source: ghanabusinessnews.com
