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Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has directed staff at the Passport Office to prepare for round-the-clock operations as part of the government’s ambitious 24-hour economy initiative. The Minister made the announcement during a visit to the Passport Office headquarters in Accra, where he outlined sweeping reforms aimed at reducing processing times and improving service delivery.
Ablakwa emphasized that the new shift system—comprising day, night, and dawn shifts is designed to ensure that applicants receive their passports within one week of submission. This marks a significant departure from the current system, which has been plagued by delays and backlogs.
“This year [2025], you need to stand and get ready, prepare yourselves. We’re going to run three shifts. We want to cut down on the waiting time for passports,” Ablakwa declared. He stressed that the shift to a 24-hour operation is critical to meeting the growing demand for passports and aligning with the government’s broader economic goals.
In addition to the extended working hours, the Minister unveiled plans to introduce chip-embedded passports, which will enhance security and align with global standards. He also announced the integration of passport data with the National Identification Authority (NIA) system to streamline the verification process for applicants, reducing duplication and improving efficiency.
Ablakwa further revealed that the Ministry is revising passport fees to make them more equitable. Under the new structure, ordinary passport applicants will benefit from reduced fees, while premium services will see an increase. This adjustment, he explained, is intended to make passport acquisition more accessible to the average Ghanaian while generating revenue to support the modernization of the system.
The Minister’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many have welcomed the proposed reforms as a step in the right direction, others have raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing a 24-hour operation, particularly in light of existing resource constraints and staff shortages.
Ablakwa, however, remains optimistic. He reiterated his commitment to transforming the Foreign Affairs Ministry into a modern, efficient institution capable of meeting the needs of Ghanaians both at home and abroad. “We want the Passport Administration in our country to become a 24-hour operation,” he said. “This is not just about issuing passports; it’s about delivering a service that reflects our commitment to excellence and progress.”
Source:NKONKONSA.com
