Ablakwa Pledges to Overhaul Ghana’s Passport System with Technology

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister nominee for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has vowed to overhaul Ghana’s passport application and issuance system through the use of technology.

Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, January 31, Ablakwa outlined plans to modernize the current regime, addressing key challenges such as delays, bureaucracy, and allegations of exploitation by middlemen.

During his testimony, Ablakwa acknowledged the frustrations many Ghanaians face when trying to obtain passports.

He noted that there are over 70,000 uncollected passports, a backlog that highlights the inefficiencies of the system.

Additionally, Ablakwa highlighted ongoing issues with “goro” boys—middlemen who exploit the process, further complicating citizens’ ability to access vital documents.

“The complaints are many,” said Ablakwa. “There are too many challenges in acquiring passports, and too often, Ghanaians face long delays or are forced to deal with corrupt middlemen to get their passports in a timely manner.”

To address these concerns, Ablakwa is advocating for the implementation of a robust online application system, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and bring transparency to the process.

One of his key proposals is to integrate technology in such a way that individuals will no longer need to physically visit passport offices for biometric data collection, especially those who already possess a Ghana Card.

“I believe that technology is the key to solving these issues. We should not require Ghanaians with Ghana Cards to go to passport offices for biometrics.

It is time to modernise and streamline the entire passport issuance process,” he explained.

Ablakwa also pointed to the former Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, who had expressed frustration at the inefficiency of the system during her tenure.

With this in mind, Ablakwa is eager to build on her work and bring about a significant transformation, ensuring that Ghanaians can access passports more easily and efficiently.

By leveraging digital solutions, he believes that the passport regime can be made more accessible, less corrupt, and ultimately more responsive to the needs of the citizens.