Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a comprehensive plan to address the significant backlog of approximately 70,000 uncollected passports. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and restore public trust in the passport application process.
The core of the plan involves the introduction of a nationwide courier system. This system will ensure that applicants receive their passports directly, regardless of their location within the country. Minister Ablakwa emphasized the importance of identifying applicants accurately, stating that the ministry will utilize available addresses and contact information to facilitate delivery. He confirmed this in an interview with TV3, stating, “We will roll out a courier system so that applicants can receive their passports wherever they are. There must be a clear indication of who the applicants are, and if addresses are available, we will call them.”
Prior to the rollout of the courier system, an immediate audit will be conducted to verify the identities of applicants and locate those with unclaimed passports. This audit is a crucial step in ensuring that passports reach their rightful owners efficiently and securely.
Beyond the courier system, the Minister highlighted the importance of digitization and operational reforms within the passport office. These reforms are intended to streamline the application process, reduce processing times, and ultimately prevent future backlogs. The goal is to create a more efficient and transparent system that benefits all applicants.
The announcement also addressed concerns regarding the issuance of diplomatic passports. Minister Ablakwa expressed his intention to conduct a thorough review of the current system. He stressed the need to restrict the issuance of diplomatic passports solely to government officials and foreign service personnel, aiming to curb misuse and enhance Ghana's international reputation. This review underscores the government's commitment to responsible and accountable governance.
This multi-pronged approach, combining a new courier system, an audit of unclaimed passports, operational reforms, and a review of diplomatic passport issuance, represents a significant step towards modernizing Ghana's passport services and improving the overall experience for citizens. The success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of these changes and a commitment to ongoing improvement.
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