This move aims to ensure that only those who are rightfully eligible hold these passports, preventing misuse and safeguarding the country’s reputation ¹.
The recall is part of the government’s commitment to proper use and administration of official travel documents, aligning with national and international standards. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to issue a public notice, urging holders of diplomatic and service passports issued by the previous administration to return them for verification and re-issuance.
– Prevent Misuse: Ensure that diplomatic and service passports are not used for unauthorised purposes.
– Safeguard Reputation: Protect the country’s reputation by preventing unauthorised individuals from holding official passports.
– Maintain Integrity: Uphold the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic engagements by ensuring that only eligible individuals hold diplomatic and service passports.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to set a compliance deadline, specifying a reasonable timeline for individuals to return their passports. The ministry will then conduct a verification process, reviewing all returned passports to ensure they meet current eligibility criteria.
This move is not the first time President Mahama has taken steps to strengthen governance and accountability. Previously, he reduced the number of government ministries from 29 to 23, aiming to improve administrative efficiency ².
The recall of diplomatic and service passports is a significant step towards ensuring that Ghana’s official travel documents are used responsibly and in accordance with national and international standards. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs works to implement this directive, it is essential to prioritise transparency and accountability throughout the process.
See the statement below:
