Ghana Modernizes Passport System with New Chip-Embedded Documents

Ghana has taken a significant step toward modernizing its passport system with the introduction of new chip-embedded passports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, led by Sector Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, announced the upgrade from the current biometric passports to these new, high-tech documents designed to enhance security and efficiency.

In a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Center, Minister Botchwey explained that the transition to chip-embedded passports was a response to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the need to stay aligned with international standards.

“While the current biometric passport has served us steadfastly for over a decade, the demands of technological evolution have made this upgrade necessary,” she said.

The chip-embedded passports, which have been in development since 2016, include advanced security features, such as a microprocessor that stores the holder’s biometric and photo information.

Additionally, these passports come equipped with anti-fraud measures and both latent and patent indicators to safeguard against unauthorized access and tampering.

“The introduction of the chip-embedded passport marks a major milestone in Ghana’s digitization agenda,” Botchwey added, emphasizing that the new passports will not only improve security but also streamline the passport issuance process.

With the new system, the turnaround time for passport issuance will be significantly shortened, making it easier and faster for citizens to obtain their travel documents.

Ghana’s chip-embedded passports are also designed to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards for biometric identification and global interoperability.

This ensures that Ghana remains at the forefront of technological advancements within the African sub-region and beyond, making travel safer for its citizens.

The project, executed in partnership with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a Ghanaian private firm, will improve the overall passport application process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun streamlining application procedures at Passport Application Centres (PACs) both locally and at Ghana’s missions abroad.

The introduction of an integrated online passport application system is expected to reduce delays and eliminate fraudulent practices associated with the process.

With these innovations, Ghana is setting the stage for a more secure and efficient passport system, ushering in a new era of travel and international security for its citizens.