Passport head office at Ridge temporarily closed

The Passport Head Office in Ridge, Accra, is temporarily closed. This follows an attack by Zongo youth demanding their passports for the Hajj pilgrimage.

The incident happened on the night of May 9. A group of young men stormed the office, insisting on immediate passport issuance. Officials tried to explain the processing procedures but could not calm the crowd.

A source stated that no explanation satisfied the angry mob. As tensions rose, the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant fled for safety.

This incident comes after a new initiative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They launched a 24-hour passport service to reduce processing time to 15 days and clear backlogs. The initiative includes a shift system for staff and a new courier delivery option.

However, operations at the Ridge office were stalled around 1:54 p.m. on May 10. Only one plainclothes security officer was present at the gate. Two foreign nationals were seen leaving the building.

Sources reported that security during the incident was inadequate. Just two police officers were on duty and overwhelmed by the crowd's size. A witness noted there were over 20 well-built men who arrived on motorbikes.

It remains unclear when services will resume at the Ridge Head Office. An official police complaint had not been filed at the time of reporting.