Editorial: Introduction of courier system to address backlog of passports laudable

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to introduce a courier system to address the backlog of over 75,000 unclaimed passports, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced. Speaking on The Key Points programme on 8th February, 2025 MrAblakwa said an immediate audit would be conducted to identify applicants and ensure that uncollected passports are delivered to their rightful owners.

“We will roll out a courier system so that applicants can receive their passports wherever they are. There must be a clear indication of who the applicants are, and if addresses are available, we will call them,” he said.

The minister also outlined plans for digitisation and operational reforms at the passport office, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing processing times.

Mr Ablakwa also revealed that the government is reviewing the issuance of diplomatic passports to curb abuse and enhance Ghana’s international reputation.“There has been abuse. Diplomatic passports should not just be available to anyone. We need to streamline the process to protect our national security and international image,” he stated.

The announcement by the Foreign Minister is a significant step toward addressing inefficiencies in Ghana’s passport application and collection processes. The move aligns with broader digitisation and operational reforms at the passport office, an institution that has long been plagued by bureaucratic bottlenecks, corruption and poor service delivery.

For years, applicants have had to endure long queues, arbitrary delays and in many cases, the loss of essential documents. The backlog of 75,000 passports underscores the extent of inefficiencies in the system and raises critical questions about why so many applicants have either been unable or unwilling to collect their passports. The introduction of a courier service, if implemented effectively, could provide a much-needed solution by ensuring that applicants receive their passports without unnecessary delays and at their convenience.

One of the fundamental issues facing Ghana’s passport office has been the lack of a streamlined process for both application and collection. Many applicants have reported cases where their documents get “lost” within the system, leading to multiple reapplications and additional costs.

Others cite the lack of a reliable notification system that alerts them when their passports are ready for pickup. While the minister’s assurance of an audit to identify applicants and facilitate deliveries is commendable, it is crucial that this exercise is conducted transparently and efficiently to avoid further confusion and delays.

A major concern, however, is the practical execution of the courier system. Ghana’s addressing system remains underdeveloped in many areas, particularly in rural communities, where many applicants reside.

Without a robust and verifiable address system, there is a risk that thousands of passports could still end up undelivered. The government must, therefore, ensure that this initiative is supported by a well-structured verification mechanism, possibly leveraging the Ghana Post GPS system.

Beyond the introduction of a courier service, the planned digitisation of passport services is an equally important reform that could improve efficiency and reduce processing times. Many developed nations have successfully transitioned to fully digital passport application and renewal systems, minimising human interaction and reducing corruption risks. We must follow suit by investing in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure that allows applicants to track their passports in real-time and receive prompt updates on their application status.

The passport application process must also be simplified to reduce the bureaucratic red tape that has made it a tedious experience for many Ghanaians. Many applicants currently rely on intermediaries and so-called ‘goro boys’ who often exploit the inefficiencies in the system to extort money from desperate individuals. Full digitisation, combined with stricter monitoring of personnel at the passport office, could help eliminate these middlemen and restore public confidence in the system.

In addition to operational reforms, the Minister’s commitment to reviewing the issuance of diplomatic passports to curb abuse is a necessary intervention. The misuse of diplomatic passports has long been a stain on Ghana’s international reputation, with reports of individuals who do not qualify gaining access to these special privileges.

Diplomatic passports are meant for government officials, diplomats and certain key personnel whose roles necessitate them, not for individuals seeking to bypass immigration restrictions or engage in illicit activities.

This will not only protect national security but also enhance Ghana’s credibility in the international arena. Stricter background checks, transparency in the issuance process, and periodic audits of diplomatic passport holders should form part of the broader strategy to curb abuse.

While the initiatives outlined by the Foreign Minister are commendable, their success will largely depend on how effectively they are implemented.

The post Editorial: Introduction of courier system to address backlog of passports laudable appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story