Ghana to Roll Out Chip-Embedded Passports – Foreign Affairs Minister Announces

Accra, April 23, 2025 – In a major development aimed at bolstering border security and enhancing travel convenience for Ghanaians, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the official rollout of chip-embedded passports.

Speaking at a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Minister disclosed that the new polycarbonate chip-embedded passports will replace the existing biometric versions beginning Monday, April 28. He explained that the move is in compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which mandate the adoption of enhanced security features in travel documents.

Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that the new passport technology is designed to significantly reduce identity fraud, streamline immigration processes, and support global travel for Ghanaians.

In addition to the passport transition, the Minister unveiled a series of reforms to improve service delivery and align with President John Mahama’s 24-hour economy agenda. These include:

• The introduction of 24-hour passport office operations;
• Secure passport delivery services for added convenience;
• An e-tracking system to allow applicants to monitor the progress of their passport applications in real-time;
• A 30% reduction in passport application fees.

To ensure public awareness and smooth implementation, the Ministry will launch a nationwide sensitization campaign to educate citizens on the new passport features and application procedures.

“This is not just a passport upgrade; it’s a step toward modernizing our identity infrastructure and putting the Ghanaian citizen at the center of efficient service delivery,” Hon. Ablakwa stated.