Accra, January 15, 2025 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a directive for the recall of Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the tenure of the previous administration. This directive follows an order from the Office of the President aimed at reviewing the issuance of these passports in accordance with the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (L.I. 155).
Affected Categories of Holders
The recall targets the following individuals and groups who are no longer serving in official capacities:
- Former Ministers and their spouses.
- Former Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation.
- Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses.
- Retired Justices of both Superior and Lower Courts.
- Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, as well as Chairs and Members of Boards of State Institutions.
- Officials associated with the National Cathedral Project.
- Former Political Ambassadors and their dependents.
- Businessmen, Entrepreneurs, Religious Leaders, and Traditional Authorities.
- Other former government functionaries and individuals holding Diplomatic or Service Passports not meeting current eligibility criteria.
Reason for the Recall
The Ministry explained that the exercise aims to ensure compliance with updated eligibility requirements and to prevent the misuse of these high-value travel documents. By aligning with international best practices, the review seeks to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s Diplomatic and Service passports.
Submission Deadline and Instructions
Affected individuals have been instructed to submit their Diplomatic and Service Passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Friday, January 24, 2025. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of full cooperation to facilitate this process efficiently.
Official Statement
In a public announcement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the credibility of Ghana’s travel documentation. It expressed confidence in the cooperation of all stakeholders and underscored that the exercise is critical to maintaining the integrity of the country’s diplomatic engagements.
For further inquiries, affected individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry.
