Foreign Affairs Ministry Reveals List of Individuals Affected by Diplomatic Passport Recall

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has published the list of officials impacted by the recall of diplomatic and service passports as part of a government move to enhance the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documents.

On January 15, 2025, the presidency directed the recall of all diplomatic and service passports issued during the tenure of former President Akufo-Addo.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been tasked with completing the collection of these passports by January 24, 2025.

The recall affects a broad range of individuals, including former government officials, politicians, and members of various state institutions.

Notably, officials linked to the controversial National Cathedral Project were among those granted diplomatic passports.

The Ministry’s decision aims to ensure that only individuals who meet the current eligibility criteria hold these travel documents, reducing the potential for misuse.

The list of affected persons includes:

• Former Ministers and their spouses
• Former Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation
• Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses
• Former and retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
• Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives
• Former CEOs of State Institutions, as well as members of Boards and Chairs
• Officials involved in the National Cathedral Project
• Former Political Ambassadors and their dependants
• Businessmen, Entrepreneurs, Religious and Traditional Leaders
• Other former government functionaries

This recall exercise is part of broader efforts to review the issuance of diplomatic and service passports, ensuring they are used correctly and in accordance with current eligibility standards.

The recall follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s diplomatic and service passports, as well as their proper use in diplomatic engagements.

All affected individuals are expected to return their passports by January 24, 2025.