On December 2, 2023, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched Ghana’s chip-embedded passport in a ceremony held in Accra. The first copy of this innovative passport was presented to the President by Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who is also the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This project began in 2016 under the guidance of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act of 1967 (NLCD 155) and was executed through a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) framework with the local company, Biometric Travel Solutions Limited. This initiative represents Ghana’s efforts to align its travel documentation with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, focusing on biometric identification’s evolving global standards.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his pride in the initiative, highlighting the significance of the e-Passport as more than just a technological advancement. He described it as a testament to Ghana’s identity and its aspirations. The President reflected on the historical journey of the Ghanaian passport—from handwritten documents in the 1960s to typewritten machine-readable passports in the 1990s and biometric passports in 2010. He emphasized that each evolution represented Ghana’s commitment to adapting to global changes and maintaining efficient travel solutions for its citizens. The launch of the e-Passport is seen as a major leap forward, aiming not only to keep pace with global standards but also to position Ghana as a leader in innovation.
The President highlighted the e-Passport’s advanced security features, embedded within a microchip that makes it highly resistant to forgery and tampering. He noted that this innovation plays a vital role in protecting the identity and dignity of Ghanaian citizens, thereby significantly reducing identity theft and fraud involving travel documents. Furthermore, the e-Passport serves as a concrete representation of national pride and identity, encapsulating the hopes and dreams of Ghanaians as they traverse the world. President Akufo-Addo commended the efforts of Minister Ayorkor Botchwey, recognizing her leadership in the successful execution of this program.
In her remarks, Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey asserted that the transition from biometric passports to chip-embedded ones was not merely a technological upgrade. Rather, it demonstrated the government’s commitment to accountability, efficiency, and global standards when it comes to passport issuance. She acknowledged that while the previous biometric passport had served its purpose well for over a decade, the accelerating pace of technological advancement necessitated this transition to ensure Ghana remains a leader in the security documentation sector devoid of emerging challenges.
The launch was also supported by representatives from international partners. Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tamás Fehér, praised the implementation of the chip-embedded passport, which he viewed as a significant enhancement of the collaboration between Hungary and Ghana. Furthermore, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa, a representative from Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, expressed pride in the partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. He affirmed that the new passport adheres to all the ICAO standards, marking a successful collaboration aimed at elevating Ghana’s passport security and international standing.
The event culminated in a shared vision for Ghana’s future in global travel and security. The e-Passport not only exemplifies cutting-edge technology but also signifies Ghana’s identity and resilience. The government’s move to invest in such innovations showcases its readiness to confront new challenges while fostering growth and connecting with the international community. Ghana’s commitment to enhancing its passport system reflects its broader ambitions for progress, security, and global interconnectedness. This bold step towards modernizing Ghana’s travel documents is poised to benefit Ghanaians by making their international endeavors more secure and efficient.
