Ghana will begin issuing chip-embedded passports from Monday, April 28, 2025, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Why it matters
The upgraded e-passports aim to improve travel security, streamline processing, and eliminate fraud, aligning Ghana’s passport system with global standards.
Details:
- First unveiled in December 2024, the passports feature microchips that store biometric and photographic data.
- They include visible and hidden security elements to prevent forgery.
- The design blends tech with culture, showcasing Adinkra symbols like Fawohodie (freedom) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (unity).
- The e-passports will replace the current biometric versions.
What they’re saying:
“We are committed to a secure, seamless and citizen-centred passport service, free from third-party interference,” Mr. Ablakwa said at a press briefing in Accra on April 23.
Zoom out
The passport upgrade is part of a wider 2025 reform package that includes:
- 24-hour passport processing
- Courier delivery services
- Electronic application tracking
- A 30% reduction in application fees
Source: Citinews
