Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced a home and office passport delivery service in a move aimed at streamlining the application process and eliminating long-standing bureaucratic hurdles.

The new initiative, which came into effect on Friday, 9 May, is being spearheaded by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. It forms part of a broader partnership with Ghana Post and local logistics firm Troskit.

Officials say the service will ensure that applicants receive their passports within 15 days of submission, removing the need to return to passport application centres.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr Ablakwa said the reform is designed to tackle persistent issues in the system, including delays and interference from unofficial agents known locally as “goro boys”.

“Ghanaian passport applicants are no longer required to go back to the passport application centre for their passports,” the minister said. “We have introduced peculiar services, making sure that passports are delivered to the comfort of the homes or offices of applicants.”

He also revealed that the passport office has now adopted a 24-hour operational model, in line with President John Mahama’s vision for a round-the-clock economy.

“The passport office is now operating 24 hours in line with President Mahama’s vision of launching Ghana into a new era of the 24-hour economy,” Mr Ablakwa said.

As part of the changes, an electronic tracking system has also been introduced to allow applicants to monitor the status of their applications from submission to delivery.

The government says the reforms are intended to remove bottlenecks and end the influence of middlemen in the passport acquisition process.

Source:TheDotNews