Ghana will begin issuing chip-embedded passports from Monday, April 28, 2025, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernising the country’s passport system and enhancing security, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Ablakwa said the new e-passports, first unveiled on December 2, 2024, are embedded with microchips that store the holder’s biometric and photo data, alongside other advanced security features to prevent identity fraud and tampering.
“These chip-embedded passports mark a significant upgrade from our current biometric documents and are in line with global standards,” the Minister said.
“They are designed to make international travel seamless while reinforcing the integrity of our national identity system.”
The passport’s design also incorporates symbols of Ghana’s cultural identity, such as Fawohodie (Freedom and Independence) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (Democracy and Cooperation), adding a distinctly Ghanaian touch to the globally compliant document.
Reforms Beyond the Passport
The rollout is part of a broader initiative to digitise and streamline public services. Among the key reforms the Ministry is implementing this year are 24-hour passport processing services, e-tracking of applications, delivery by courier, and a 30% reduction in application fees.
Mr Ablakwa said the introduction of the chip-embedded passports is also expected to curb the activities of middlemen, a long-standing issue in the passport acquisition process.
“We want to ensure a transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused passport service that eliminates the frustrations many Ghanaians have faced in the past,” he said.
Already adopted in many countries worldwide, chip-embedded passports significantly enhance protection against identity theft, data manipulation, and fraudulent duplication.
The Foreign Affairs Minister described the move as a key milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation and commitment to improving service delivery.
Source – Foreign Ministry
