The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has withdrawn diplomatic and service passports granted to persons who are no longer qualified to carry them.
This instruction applies to more than 10 types of officials, including previous government appointees, Members of Parliament, and public employees.
The notification underscores that diplomatic and service passports are reserved for persons who are actively engaged in certain state activities.
“Those no longer serving in these capacities must return the passports to the ministry immediately.”
The affected groups are:
1. Former government ministers, deputy ministers, and other officials.
2. Former members of Parliament.
3. Retired members of the judiciary.
4. Public servants who have quit active duty.
5. Staff from statutory agencies and commissions are no longer in office.
6. Retired officers from the security services.
7. The spouses of entitled officials who have left their positions.
8. Other categories of individuals previously accorded the privilege but were not eligible.
This instruction is part of measures to protect Ghana’s passport system and ensure compliance with international best practices.
It follows previous concerns about the misuse of diplomatic and service passports, which can harm the country’s international standing.
The Ministry has also advised individuals in possession of such passports to return them as soon as possible, warning that failure to do so may result in consequences.
Read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration statement below: