Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister candidate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has promised to implement technology-driven reforms to modernize Ghana’s passport application and issue processes.
Speaking to Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the need for immediate modernization of the current passport regime to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
He noted the difficulties citizens confront in obtaining passports, including as delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and charges that middlemen abuse the system.
“The other thing I want to change is our passport system. There are far too many complaints about how difficult it is to obtain passports and acquire them on time. I was browsing over some briefs and noticed that we have a backlog of over 70,000 passports that have yet to be collected. Then there are concerns with middlemen, ‘goro’ boys, and so forth,” he explained.
To address these challenges, he proposed using digital technologies to expedite operations, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery.
Mr Ablakwa also informed the committee that under his guidance, the Foreign Affairs Ministry would create a comprehensive online application system and streamline the collection of clients’ biometric information.
“I recall the former Foreign Minister, the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, storming the passport office in exasperation and saying, ‘Look, this problem cannot continue’. I’d like to employ technology to overhaul our passport system. I don’t think we should continue require Ghanaians with a Ghana Card to visit the passport office for biometrics.”