Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has outlined plans to extend working hours at Ghana’s passport office, introducing day, night, and dawn shifts as part of the government’s broader 24-hour economy strategy.

During a visit to the passport headquarters in Accra on February 19, Mr.Ablakwa emphasized the government’s goal of reducing passport processing times, aiming to ensure that applicants receive their passports within one week of application. The shift to extended hours is a critical part of this reform.

Additionally, Mr. Ablakwa announced plans to modernize the country’s passport system, including the introduction of chip-embedded passports. He also revealed plans to integrate passport data with the National Identification Authority’s system, streamlining applicant verification and enhancing security.

Reaffirming his commitment to overhauling the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that passport fees would be revised, with reductions for standard applications and increased fees for premium services.

“These reforms are designed to improve efficiency and reduce the waiting time for passports,” Ablakwa said. “We believe that by implementing a 24-hour operation, we can meet the demand and significantly improve the service delivery.”

Source:TheDotNews