Ablakwa pushes for 24-hour passport office, promises one-week processing

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to extend passport office operations to a 24-hour system, with day, night, and dawn shifts, as part of the government's broader economic reforms.

Speaking at the passport headquarters in Accra, he stressed that Ghanaians should receive their passports within a week of application.

Ablakwa also revealed upcoming reforms, including chip-embedded passports and integration with the National Identification Authority for seamless verification.

Additionally, he proposed revising passport fees—reducing costs for regular applicants while increasing charges for premium services.

He urged passport office staff to prepare for the transition, emphasizing that the 24-hour economy model will help clear backlogs and enhance efficiency.