The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commissioned the new Passport Application Centre (PAC) in Bolgatanga, making government services accessible to the people.
Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, he stated that development should not be limited to specific regions; it must extend to every corner of the country so that all Ghanaians feel included in the nation’s progress.
He noted that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama would ensure that no region is left behind.
“By the end of December 2025, there must be no region in Ghana without a Passport Application Centre,” he added.
According to the minister, community involvement played a crucial role in the project’s success. He revealed that the Alagobe Association mobilised resources for the renovation of the facility, while Ghana Commercial Bank generously contributed by providing the property without any restrictions.
“There was total community ownership in this project,” he noted.
Mr Ablakwa, in response to concerns about passport security, assured citizens that measures are in place to prevent fraud.
“We are ahead of those who attempt to acquire Ghanaian passports illegally; we have retrained all our passport application officers and implemented improved vetting procedures,” he affirmed.
He added that the government has introduced significant reforms to streamline the passport application process, where, for the first time in Ghana’s history, applicants will no longer need to return to the application centre to collect their passports.
“We have introduced a courier service that delivers passports directly to homes or offices,” he added.
The minister reiterated his commitment to the country’s development, ensuring that every Ghanaian feels included in the nation’s journey towards transformation, and the opening of the PAC office serves as evidence.
The Regional Minister, Mr Dominic Akamugiri Atanga, commended the initiative and stated that the opening of the application centre was a sign of the government’s hope and responsiveness to the people’s needs, not just formality.
Deborah Narkie Nartey, ISD
