The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana has issued a stern ultimatum regarding the return of a significant number of diplomatic and service passports currently held by individuals no longer authorized to possess them. This final directive, issued on March 10, 2025, follows a previous recall notice disseminated on January 15, 2025, and mandates the return of 791 outstanding passports within seven days, setting a deadline of March 17, 2025. The Ministry’s statement emphasizes the urgency of the situation, highlighting the non-compliance of a substantial number of individuals despite the initial recall effort. This latest directive underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of these official travel documents.
Of the total outstanding passports, 404 are diplomatic passports, reserved for high-ranking government officials and diplomats, while the remaining 387 are service passports, issued to government employees traveling on official business. The continued possession of these passports by unauthorized individuals poses a potential security risk and undermines the credibility of Ghana’s passport system. The Ministry’s statement explicitly mentions the source of the directive as emanating from the Office of the President, indicating a high-level commitment to retrieving these documents. This underscores the seriousness with which the government views the matter and its determination to enforce compliance.
The individuals required to surrender their passports represent a cross-section of former government officials and appointees. This includes former Ministers and their spouses, former Members of Parliament, former members of the Council of State, and personnel associated with the National Cathedral Secretariat. The inclusion of spouses of former Ministers further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the recall effort, ensuring that all diplomatic and service passports issued under the previous administration are accounted for and returned. This comprehensive approach aims to prevent any potential misuse of these official documents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has clearly outlined the consequences of non-compliance with this directive. Passports not returned by the stipulated deadline of March 17, 2025, will be officially revoked, rendering them invalid for international travel. Furthermore, these revoked passports will be placed on a “Stop-Watch List,” flagging them for confiscation at all Ghanaian entry and exit points. This stringent measure aims to deter further non-compliance and ensure the retrieval of the outstanding passports.
The establishment of a “Stop-Watch List” signifies a proactive approach to enforcing the passport recall. This list will be accessible to border control officials at all points of entry and exit within Ghana, enabling them to identify and confiscate any revoked diplomatic or service passports presented for travel. This measure not only prevents the unauthorized use of these documents but also serves as a deterrent, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government views the improper possession of official travel documents.
This decisive action by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s passport system and preventing the potential misuse of diplomatic and service passports. The clear deadline, coupled with the outlined consequences of non-compliance, reinforces the seriousness of the directive and underscores the importance of adhering to the stipulated regulations. The comprehensive scope of the recall, encompassing former officials and their spouses, highlights the thoroughness of the government’s efforts to retrieve all outstanding passports and maintain the security and credibility of its official travel documents.
