By Makiza Micheline Latifa
The Government of Ghana has officially launched a new chip-embedded polycarbonate passport as part of efforts to enhance national security and improve service delivery for its citizens.
The new passport, unveiled today in Accra by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, features advanced security technology, including a micro Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and over 100 overt and covert security elements. The biographical data page is now produced using durable, tamper-resistant polycarbonate material, replacing the traditional laminated paper.
According to officials, the upgraded passport meets the latest standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and will ease international travel for Ghanaians while preventing identity fraud and document forgery.
In addition to its security improvements, the new passport system introduces several service enhancements. These include a 24-hour application service, nationwide courier delivery of completed passports, and a fully integrated online platform for application submissions, payments, appointment bookings, and real-time tracking.
The passport acquisition period will not exceed 15 working days for regular applications, or five working days for expedited service, following the completion of the application process.
Addressing the media at the launch, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that the initiative forms part of the government’s commitment to digitizing public services and safeguarding the identity of Ghanaian citizens.
According to him, the rollout marks a significant milestone in the history of Ghana’s document security landscape. He further explained that the dynamic nature and constant evolution of crimes related to travel, security, and identity demand a more advanced, sophisticated approach to the design, production, and issuance of these vital state documents.
“As Ghana roles out its first Chip-embedded Polycarbonate (PC) biographical data-page passport, equipped with the highest latent and patent security inputs, the sector players, end users and regulators within the document security management setup are assured of robust security features that are almost impossible to forge, he said.”
The rollout also comes with a proposed reduction in passport fees, with the cost of a standard 32-page passport expected to drop from GHS 500 to GHS 350, subject to parliamentary approval.
Existing biometric passports will remain valid until their expiry dates, with a gradual transition to the new system expected to be completed by 2030. Plans are also underway to open passport application centers in all 16 regions of the country to improve access for citizens nationwide.
The rollout of the chip-embedded polycarbonate passport represents a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to modernize its passport system, enhance its national security infrastructure, and provide efficient services to its citizens.