By Makiza Micheline Latifa
Ghana will officially roll out its new chip-embedded polycarbonate passport on Monday, April 28 — a landmark upgrade in the country’s efforts to enhance document security and align with international standards.
Announcing the development at a press briefing, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the initiative as a major step forward in safeguarding the integrity of Ghanaian travel documents.
He also outlined a series of passport reform measures designed to improve the application and issuance process nationwide.
These include transitioning from biometric to chip-embedded passports, introducing 24-hour passport processing services, implementing courier-based passport delivery to applicants’ doorsteps, and launching an electronic tracking system to enable applicants to monitor the status of their applications. Additionally, the government plans to reduce the application fee for the standard 32-page passport by 30%, from GH¢500 to GH¢350. However, this fee reduction is subject to parliamentary approval of amendments to the Fees and Charges Act when Parliament resumes from recess.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the introduction of the new biometric passports is aimed at enhancing passport security, eliminating the influence of middlemen, and improving transparency in the passport application process.
He stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a seamless, citizen-centric passport service that is accessible to all Ghanaians and avoids the lapses associated with third-party interference.
“I am very pleased to inform that a 24-hour passport service with door to door delivery will be commencing on the 28th of April, 2025, to ensure greater convenience, efficiency, and customer satisfaction he said.”
A Decade-Long Journey
Ghana’s journey with chip-embedded passports began in 2010 with the introduction of biometric passports aimed at meeting international travel standards. This latest upgrade to polycarbonate, chip-embedded booklets marks a significant leap forward, providing greater durability, enhanced data protection, and improved resistance to forgery — positioning Ghana’s passport system in line with evolving global security protocols.
The new passports, embedded with an electronic chip containing the holder’s biometric information, are designed to facilitate faster processing at border control points and improve identity verification in line with global best practices.
Enhanced Security and Efficiency
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that beyond improved durability, the new passports come with advanced security features designed to protect against forgery and identity theft. This innovation is expected to expedite processing times at border control points and contribute to global efforts in safeguarding international travel.
“The polycarbonate chip-embedded passports place Ghana among a growing list of countries embracing cutting-edge passport security technologies,” Mr. Ablakwa noted. “It reinforces our determination to protect the integrity of our travel documents and to serve the best interests of the Ghanaian traveler.”
Public Education and Smooth Transition
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has assured the public of a smooth transition from the old biometric passports to the new polycarbonate versions. A nationwide public education campaign is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks to sensitize applicants to the new features and application procedures.
Existing biometric passports will remain valid until their respective expiry dates, after which holders will be required to switch to the new polycarbonate format.
The announcement marks a new era in Ghana’s document security space and underscores the government’s broader commitment to digital transformation and enhanced public service delivery.