Government recalls Diplomatic and Service Passports issued by Akufo-Addo administration

The government has initiated a recall of all Diplomatic and Service Passports issued under the previous administration.

The directive, communicated in a letter from the Office of the President and signed by Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, aims to ensure the proper use and administration of official travel documents in accordance with both national and international standards.

In the letter addressed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated January 14, 2025, Dr Mahama stated: “This exercise aligns with the Government's commitment to ensuring the proper use and administration of official travel documents by national and international standards. The recall aims to prevent misuse, safeguard the country's reputation, and maintain the integrity of our diplomatic engagements.”

Steps to facilitate the recall process

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with overseeing the process and implementing a series of measures to ensure its smooth execution:

Public Notification: Notify all holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports issued by the previous administration to return these documents to the Ministry for verification and re-issuance, where applicable.”

Deadline for Compliance: The letter specifies a timeline for compliance, stating that all affected individuals must return their passports by January 24, 2025.

Verification Exercise: “Undertake a thorough review of all returned passports to ensure that they align with the current eligibility criteria for issuance.”

The recall is intended to address concerns about potential misuse of these passports and to maintain Ghana’s standing in international diplomatic circles.

Call for Cooperation

The Secretary to the President emphasised the importance of the Ministry's cooperation and swift action: “Your cooperation and expedient action in this regard will contribute significantly to maintaining the credibility and efficiency of our country's passport system.”

The government has also assured the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of its support throughout the process. “Do not hesitate to contact my office for any further clarification or assistance you may need in executing this important exercise,” Dr Mahama added.

Affected passport holders are urged to comply promptly to avoid potential inconveniences. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to issue a public notice in the coming days to provide further details on the procedure for returning and verifying the passports.