Starting Monday, 28th April 2025, Ghana will begin issuing chip-embedded passports as part of a major reform in the country’s passport system.
This new initiative, announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, follows the successful launch of upgraded e-passports in December 2024.
The new chip-enabled passports feature advanced biometric technology, significantly enhancing travel document security. Each passport includes a microchip that securely stores the holder’s biometric and photographic details, along with anti-fraud measures—both visible and hidden—designed to meet international standards.
The updated passports will replace the existing biometric versions and incorporate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional Adinkra symbols such as Fawohodie (symbolizing freedom) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (representing democracy and cooperation).
During a media briefing in Accra on April 23, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the new passports are part of a broader reform strategy aimed at improving security, eliminating middlemen, and enhancing transparency in the passport application process.
Additionally, the Ministry will introduce 24/7 passport processing, home delivery services, an electronic tracking system, and a 30% reduction in application fees. Mr. Ablakwa assured that these changes are designed to provide a more efficient, citizen-centered service free from third-party interference.
