The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has welcomed the growing international attention and discussions surrounding Ghana’s passport, describing it as a reflection of the country’s strides in security, accessibility, and global mobility.

Speaking on the renewed global interest, the Minister highlighted that Ghana’s passport is now one of the most modern in the world, fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and embedded with advanced chip technology.

He noted that the passport features more than 170 high-level security enhancements designed to safeguard against fraud and identity theft.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa also pointed to the passport’s rising global value, explaining that Ghanaian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 50 countries across all continents.

He added that the government is actively pursuing additional visa waiver agreements with friendly nations, with more expected to be concluded within the year.

In a major boost to accessibility, the Minister said Ghanaians can now apply for passports in all 16 regions of the country for the first time in the nation’s history.

Processing times have also been significantly reduced, with applicants now able to receive their passports in less than 15 days.

Additionally, passports are delivered to applicants via courier services at no extra cost.

As part of broader reforms, the cost of acquiring a Ghanaian passport has been reduced by 30 per cent—from GHS500 to GHS350—despite the transition from biometric passports to the more advanced chip-embedded version and improvements in service delivery.

A historic same-day passport application and delivery service has also been introduced.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa further revealed that more than 40,000 undelivered passports inherited in 2025 have been fully cleared, restoring efficiency and public confidence in the passport system.

He said the Ministry has invested in modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence tools, to enhance security and streamline passport administration.

The Foreign Affairs Minister assured Ghanaians that holders of the country’s passport are guaranteed full protection and enhanced consular support from the Government of Ghana, reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens at home and abroad.

He described the reforms as a major milestone in Ghana’s migration and travel management system, positioning the country’s passport as a symbol of national pride and global respect.