Over 161,000 Chip-Embedded passports printed, 122,000 issued to applicants – Ablakwa

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced significant progress in the country’s ongoing passport reform programme, with 161,824 chip-embedded biometric passports printed since the rollout of the new system.

Out of this number, 122,895 have already been delivered to applicants as of September 10, 2025.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15, Mr. Ablakwa described the introduction of the next-generation passports on April 28 as a landmark achievement in the Ministry’s digital transformation efforts.

“These passports incorporate over 175 advanced security features, compared to just 32 in the previous version, and fully comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards,” he stated. “This has greatly enhanced the global credibility and security of Ghanaian travel documents.”

The Minister highlighted additional reforms, including the adoption of a 24-hour operational system that has shortened processing times and guaranteed delivery within 15 days worldwide.

Other initiatives include the extension of mobile passport services to reach applicants with limited mobility—beginning with Hajj pilgrims—and the introduction of a home delivery option in partnership with courier companies.

“I had the honour of personally delivering the first batch of passports to applicants at their workplaces and homes, symbolising our commitment to bringing government services closer to the people,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

He stressed that the reforms have resolved long-standing delays in passport issuance and reflect the government’s broader vision of efficiency, inclusivity, and digital innovation in public service delivery.