Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzato Ablakwa, has announced a major new initiative to establish passport application centers in each of the country’s 16 regions. The move aims to alleviate the growing pressure on the current center in Accra, which has been grappling with high demand and long processing times.

Mr. Ablakwa shared the news during a session in Parliament on Thursday, March 12, emphasizing the government’s commitment to decentralizing the passport application process. This reform will allow Ghanaians across the nation to submit and process their travel documents without the need to travel to the capital.

“By regionalizing passport services, we will make it more accessible to citizens in every part of the country,” Ablakwa said. “Currently, the center in Accra is overwhelmed, and we believe these regional offices will ease the burden while improving service delivery.”

While there are no immediate plans to open centers at the district level, the government believes that regional offices will be sufficient to meet demand. Ablakwa assured that the new system, coupled with enhanced services such as 24-hour operations and efficient courier delivery, will address the current inefficiencies and delays that have plagued the Accra-based service.

The Accra passport center, which handles a high volume of applicants daily, has long been criticized for its overcrowding, extended wait times, and difficulties in securing appointments. Many Ghanaians from outside the capital often face the challenge of traveling long distances, adding extra costs and frustration to the application process.

With the regional centers expected to roll out soon, Ablakwa’s announcement signals a step toward improving the passport application experience for all Ghanaians. The government is hopeful the new approach will reduce the burdens on applicants while enhancing efficiency across the country.

Source:TheDotNews