Ghana has commenced the issuance of Chip-embedded Passports, aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global standards. The move marks a major leap in passport security and modernization efforts, as the country joins the growing list of nations adopting next-generation travel documents.

The new Chip-embedded Passports, which incorporate advanced biometric features and enhanced data protection, are being issued under a public-private partnership between the Government of Ghana and BTS Group. The rollout coincides with ICAO’s Regulation DOC 9303, which mandates the use of secure travel documents.

Although the newly introduced passports are now available, the current biometric passports remain valid until 2030. Citizens may transition to the Chip-embedded version at any time, regardless of whether their current passport has expired.

At the official launch ceremony in Accra, Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah praised the bold leadership that made the long-anticipated project a reality.

“For over 10 years this process was in limbo, but it took bold, decisive leadership to push it forward,” he said. “Transformation requires someone willing to challenge the system.”

Mr. Debrah also commended the innovative partnership between the Passport Office and Ghana Post, which is facilitating the delivery of more than 70,000 previously uncollected passports directly to applicants through courier services.

“This wasn’t outlined in any manual, but it was a practical solution. Such innovation must be encouraged across all public institutions,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the introduction of the Chip-embedded Passports as “the most far-reaching and progressive passport reform in Ghana’s history.”

He confirmed that President John Dramani Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had already received their new passports, and steps were underway to issue one to former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

“Today we end the frustration of long waits, eliminate the influence of middlemen, and put behind us the era of over 70,000 uncollected passports,” said Mr. Ablakwa. “This is a full reset of our passport system—ushering in modernization, convenience, and dignity for every Ghanaian applicant.”

The Minister outlined six key reforms being implemented as part of the broader passport modernization agenda; 24-hour operations at the Passport Head Office to serve citizens more efficiently, direct passport delivery via courier services, led by Ghana Post and private firm Troskit, E-tracking system for real-time updates on passport application status, faster processing times—under 15 days for regular applications, and under 5 days for expedited ones, and a reduction in application fees from GHC500 to GHC300, pending approval from Parliament in accordance with the Fees and Charges Law.

Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the importance of staying ahead of evolving global security threats. He said the new passport design uses state-of-the-art polycarbonate biographical data pages embedded with the highest level of latent and patent security features, making them nearly impossible to forge.

“The use of multi-layer compressed polymer guarantees the integrity of the document for its entire validity period and ensures protection against identity fraud and document tampering,” he said.

The initiative represents a major step toward secure identity management and improved public service delivery, and officials say it will greatly enhance Ghana’s global reputation in passport security and efficiency.

Source: GNA