Ghana's chip-embedded passports to roll out from April 28 - Ablakwa
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said Ghana will begin issuing the chip-embedded passports from Monday, April 28, 2025.
The travel document has a microprocessor that embeds the holder’s biometric and photo information.
It also has other unique security features such as an anti-fraud measure, with both latent and patent indicators to ensure unimpeachable security.
The chip-embedded or e-passport is an upgrade of the current biometric passport being used by Ghanaians.
Design
Its design incorporates elements of our rich cultural heritage, including Adinkra symbols such as “Fawohodie” (Freedom and Independence) and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” (Democracy and Cooperation).
Speaking in Accra on Wednesday [April 23, 2025], the Minister of Foreign Affairs said the introduction of the new biometric passports is aimed at enhancing passport security, eliminating the influence of middlemen, and improving transparency in the passport application process.
He stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a seamless, citizen-centric passport service that is accessible to all Ghanaians, and avoids the pitfalls associated with third-party interference.
The new initiative is part of a broader set of reforms being implemented this year by the Ministry. These include the introduction of 24-hour passport operations, passport delivery by courier, e-tracking services, and a 30 per cent reduction in passport application fees.
The chip-embedded passports, already in use in several countries, store biometric information in a secure microchip, offering enhanced protection against identity theft and fraud.
Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed the government's commitment to digitisation and public service reform, describing the rollout as a key milestone in modernising Ghana’s passport system.
