The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a comprehensive recall of all diplomatic and service passports issued under the previous administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This directive, issued by the Office of President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, January 15, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the credibility and integrity of Ghana’s official travel documents and strengthen the country’s diplomatic engagements.
In a statement confirming the directive, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a detailed list of categories of officials affected by the recall. These include former ministers and their spouses, former members of parliament across all political affiliations, former members of the Council of State and their spouses, as well as retired justices of both the superior and lower courts. The directive also extends to former regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, chief executive officers of state institutions, chairs and members of state boards, and officials associated with the National Cathedral Project.
Other groups impacted by the recall are former political ambassadors and their dependents, businessmen and entrepreneurs, religious and traditional leaders, former government functionaries, and all other individuals holding diplomatic or service passports who are not currently serving in an official capacity. Specifically, the recall targets those who do not meet the eligibility requirements outlined in sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set Friday, January 24, 2025, as the deadline for the return of the recalled passports. Holders of these documents have been directed to submit them to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry. This review process aims to align the issuance of diplomatic and service passports with current eligibility criteria, ensuring that only individuals actively serving the state or meeting specific legal requirements retain access to these official travel documents.
The statement from the Ministry emphasized the importance of this exercise in safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic and service passports. It noted that the recall would prevent potential misuse of these travel documents, thereby bolstering the country’s international image and diplomatic credibility. By reinforcing stringent eligibility requirements, the government seeks to ensure that these prestigious documents are held only by individuals whose roles justify their possession.
“The above-mentioned officials are to return their passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not later than Friday, 24th January, 2025. The recall exercise is to ensure a review of all diplomatic and service passports in line with the current eligibility criteria for issuance,” the Ministry’s statement read.
The directive is part of President Mahama’s broader agenda to streamline Ghana’s diplomatic processes and restore public confidence in the management of official travel documents. This move aligns with global best practices, where diplomatic and service passports are issued selectively to ensure they serve their intended purpose of facilitating official state duties and engagements.
The Ministry further expressed its appreciation to all affected individuals for their anticipated cooperation. It highlighted that the recall is not punitive but rather a procedural exercise aimed at reinforcing the credibility of Ghana’s passport system. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs counts on the cooperation of all holders of diplomatic and service passports to undertake this important exercise as directed,” the statement concluded.
This recall follows growing concerns over the issuance and misuse of diplomatic and service passports in Ghana. Critics have argued that the proliferation of these documents among individuals without justifiable roles has undermined their value and exposed the country to potential reputational risks. By taking this decisive step, the government aims to address these concerns and restore the integrity of Ghana’s passport system.
For many observers, the recall marks a significant milestone in President Mahama’s commitment to accountability and transparency in governance. It reflects a broader effort to ensure that public resources and privileges, including access to diplomatic travel documents, are managed responsibly and in the national interest.
The recall also underscores the importance of maintaining a robust legal framework to regulate the issuance of diplomatic and service passports. By aligning the distribution of these documents with clearly defined criteria, the government aims to prevent abuse and ensure that they are reserved for individuals actively contributing to the state’s diplomatic and administrative functions.
As the January 24 deadline approaches, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured the public that the recall process will be conducted efficiently and transparently. It has urged all affected individuals to comply with the directive promptly to facilitate a smooth review process. Failure to return the recalled passports within the stipulated timeframe could result in penalties, including the invalidation of the documents.
The recall of diplomatic and service passports represents a significant step toward enhancing the management of Ghana’s official travel documents. It reflects a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the country’s diplomatic affairs. For President Mahama’s administration, this initiative is not only about addressing past shortcomings but also about laying a solid foundation for a more transparent and efficient passport system in the future.
By taking this decisive action, the government sends a clear message about its commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and responsible leadership. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that privileges such as diplomatic and service passports are allocated based on merit and necessity, rather than personal or political considerations.
As Ghana moves forward with this initiative, it is expected that the recall will contribute significantly to restoring public confidence in the country’s passport system. It will also serve as a reminder of the government’s determination to uphold the integrity of its institutions and processes. For the affected individuals, this exercise presents an opportunity to support the government’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic and administrative framework, ensuring that it serves the best interests of the nation.
