Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that a backlog of over 70,000 passports remain uncollected.
The North Tongu MP made this disclosure during his vetting on Friday, highlighting the severe challenges currently facing Ghana’s passport issuance system.
Mr. Ablakwa pointed to systemic inefficiencies, including the involvement of middlemen, or “goro boys,” in the process.
“I recall the former Foreign Minister, the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botwey, storming the passport office in frustration and saying, ‘Look, this crisis cannot continue.’”
“The former minister’s public outburst was an indication of the deep frustration within the system,” he said.
The nominee stressed that the current process needs an overhaul and pledged to reform the passport regime.
“I don’t think that we should still be requiring Ghanaians who have the Ghana Card to go to the passport office for their biometrics,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa’s vision is to leverage digital solutions to streamline the passport application process and reduce inefficiencies, making it more convenient and transparent for citizens.
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