Ablakwa promises digital solutions for passport bottlenecks

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister nominee for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has vowed to introduce technology-driven reforms to improve Ghana’s passport application and issuance system.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 29, he acknowledged the widespread complaints about delays, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and middlemen exploiting the process.

Ablakwa revealed that over 70,000 passports remain uncollected, further highlighting the need for urgent intervention.

To address these challenges, he proposed a comprehensive digital overhaul, including a robust online application system and improved biometric data collection.

He emphasized that Ghanaians with a Ghana Card should not need to visit passport offices for biometric verification, pledging to leverage technology to streamline and enhance service delivery.