Ghana revokes diplomatic and service passports of former officials and non-state actors

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revoked all diplomatic and service passports. This applies to individuals no longer in active government roles. The directive takes effect immediately.

This decision follows earlier recall notices from January 15 and March 10, 2025. It affects many former public officials and non-state actors, including:

- Former ministers, Members of Parliament, and Council of State members, along with their spouses.
- Retired justices from both superior and lower courts.
- Former regional ministers and chief executives (MMDCEs).
- Former board chairpersons and officers of state institutions.
- Individuals linked to the National Cathedral project.
- Non-career ambassadors and their dependents.
- Religious leaders, traditional leaders, private businesspersons, and entrepreneurs.
- Anyone holding a diplomatic or service passport without a current state-sanctioned role.

The ministry reported that 407 diplomatic passports were returned voluntarily before the deadline. Additionally, 403 service passports were also returned. However, 341 diplomatic passports remain unaccounted for.

These unreturned passports are now invalid and on an official stop list. Immigration authorities must confiscate any cancelled passports presented at entry or exit points.

The revocation is based on Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act of 1967 (NLCD 155). This law limits passport issuance to those engaged in official state business.

According to the ministry, this action aims to tighten control over state-issued travel documents. It seeks to prevent abuse of privileges associated with these passports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges affected individuals to surrender any remaining diplomatic or service passports immediately. Using a revoked passport will lead to interception and confiscation by officials.

This move highlights Ghana’s commitment to accountability in managing official travel credentials. Authorities aim to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic relations through this crackdown. Only current officeholders should benefit from state travel privileges.