The implementation of Ghana’s chip-embedded passport system, a significant modernization effort, has become a subject of contention, with the current government appearing to claim credit for its development and execution. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, a prominent member of Parliament, has issued a comprehensive statement to clarify the factual timeline of the project, emphasizing the pivotal role of the previous Akufo-Addo administration in bringing the initiative to fruition. His statement meticulously details the project’s journey, from initial conceptualization to the official launch, highlighting the extensive planning, strategic partnerships, and financial commitments made under the former president’s leadership. This clarification aims to correct what Jinapor perceives as misinformation and attempts by the current administration to misrepresent the project’s history.
The genesis of the chip-embedded passport initiative can be traced back to 2013 when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) adopted the Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy. This global framework encouraged the adoption of enhanced security features in travel documents, including chip-embedded passports. While initial discussions in Ghana followed this international development, concrete progress remained stagnant until the Akufo-Addo government assumed office in 2017. As part of a broader digital transformation agenda, the administration prioritized upgrading Ghana’s passport system, recognizing the importance of modernizing national identification and travel documents.
The Akufo-Addo government’s commitment to this modernization effort translated into concrete action in 2018. After a thorough evaluation of proposals, the administration forged a public-private partnership with 25th Century Technology Limited. This strategic collaboration allowed for private financing of the passport system upgrade, mitigating the financial burden on the government. The partnership further solidified the commitment to delivering a world-class passport system, leveraging private sector expertise and innovation. This public-private partnership model underscores the government’s strategic approach to infrastructure development and its commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The ensuing phases of the project involved meticulous stakeholder engagement, ensuring the system’s alignment with international standards and national security requirements. Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a joint venture formed by 25th Century Technology Limited and Buck Press Limited, spearheaded the technical implementation. Extensive consultations were conducted with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Immigration Service and National Security, to ensure the final product met rigorous security and functionality benchmarks. This collaborative approach ensured the system’s robustness and its compliance with international best practices.
The culmination of these concerted efforts came in December 2024, when President Akufo-Addo officially launched the chip-embedded passport system in Accra. This landmark event marked the realization of years of planning, investment, and collaboration. The initial rollout included the distribution of 50,000 booklets, with a further 200,000 on order, demonstrating the government’s proactive approach to widespread adoption. This launch, well before the end of the Akufo-Addo administration’s term, firmly established the project’s completion and operational readiness.
Hon. Jinapor’s statement underscores that the current government’s role has been limited to the distribution and rollout of a system already established and launched by the previous administration. He criticizes the current administration’s attempt to re-launch the program as unnecessary and potentially wasteful, arguing that it serves only to create confusion and unnecessarily burden public resources. He views the current government’s actions as an attempt to claim undue credit for a project they inherited in a fully operational state. Jinapor emphasizes that the Akufo-Addo government completed all necessary planning, procurement, and logistical arrangements, leaving the subsequent administration with the task of simply continuing the established rollout process.
Jinapor concludes by reiterating the importance of accurately representing the historical record and acknowledging the contributions of the previous administration. He stresses that the chip-embedded passport project represents a significant achievement for Ghana and that the public deserves to understand the true timeline and the individuals responsible for its realization. He calls on the current government to prioritize efficient distribution of the passports and to refrain from attempting to rewrite the history of the project’s development. Jinapor’s statement serves as a call for transparency and accountability in public discourse, emphasizing the importance of accurately attributing credit for national achievements. He reinforces his commitment to ensuring the public is fully informed and that the legacy of the Akufo-Addo administration is accurately preserved.
