The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to use a courier system to resolve a backlog of almost 75,000 unclaimed passports, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Speaking on The KeyPoints show on February 8th, Mr Ablakwa stated that an urgent audit will be done to identify applicants and guarantee that uncollected passports were handed to their respective owners.
"We will implement a courier system so that applicants may obtain their passports wherever they are. There must be a clear indication of who the applicants are, and if addresses are provided, we will contact them," he explained.
The minister also discussed plans for digitalization and operational improvements at the passport office, which seek to improve efficiency and reduce processing times.
Mr Ablakwa also indicated that the government is evaluating the granting of diplomatic passports in order to reduce misuse and improve Ghana's worldwide reputation.
"There was abuse. Diplomatic passports should not be available to everyone. "We need to streamline the process to protect our national security and international image," he said.
He referenced existing regulations, such as NLC Decree 155, which governs eligibility for diplomatic passports, and promised tougher enforcement to guarantee compliance.
"How we are treated at embassies and airports is determined by the validity of our passports. "We must reestablish their respect," he stressed.
The minister told Ghanaians that the government will adopt changes to guarantee that only qualified individuals acquire diplomatic passports.
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