KEY POINTS
Ghana will begin a 24-hour passport service with secure home delivery starting April 28, enhancing convenience and efficiency for citizens.
The government plans to reduce the cost of a standard passport from GH₵500 to GH₵350, pending parliamentary approval.
Applicants will also benefit from real-time e-Tracking of passport processing and delivery, part of a broader digital transformation in public service.
In a bold move to improve public service delivery and align with its broader 24-hour economy vision, the Government of Ghana has announced the rollout of a 24-hour passport service featuring direct door-to-door delivery.
The initiative is set to take effect from April 28, 2025, and is designed to bring greater efficiency, accessibility, and convenience to passport applicants across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a press briefing in Accra focused on the government’s digital transformation agenda and the integration of chip-embedded biometric passports.
“In partnership with reputable courier providers, the Ministry guarantees secure and reliable passport distribution both in Ghana and abroad,” Ablakwa said. “We are committed to offering world-class public service experiences that match the dynamic needs of our citizens and diaspora communities.”
As part of this service overhaul, the government is also proposing a substantial fee reduction for standard 32-page passport booklets. Currently priced at GH₵500, the fee will be lowered to GH₵350—a 30 percent cut aimed at easing financial burdens on citizens.
New initiative aims to enhance service efficiency
According to the Minister, a bill is already in motion to amend the existing Fees and Charges Act to legally authorize the cost reduction. “I am hopeful that when Parliament resumes in a few weeks, this process will be completed,” Ablakwa stated, emphasizing the administration’s readiness to make travel documentation more affordable and accessible.
The new system will also include a digital e-Tracking feature that enables applicants to monitor their passport processing and delivery status in real time. This innovation is expected to reduce wait times and increase transparency in the application process, addressing longstanding public concerns about inefficiencies and delays.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to enhancing accessibility and efficiency in passport services for all citizens,” Ablakwa reaffirmed.
In addition to expanding access, the integration of smart technology in Ghana’s passport system marks another step forward in the country’s digital governance transformation.
Ghana Business News reports that the chip-embedded passports—already being rolled out—store biometric information and are designed to meet international travel and security standards.
The government has urged all applicants to provide accurate home addresses and active contact numbers to avoid delivery issues. The home delivery option is expected to particularly benefit citizens in remote areas who previously had to travel long distances to access passport services.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Akufo-Addo administration to digitize key public services and promote a 24-hour economy model. This model emphasizes continuous service availability, efficient delivery systems, and public-private partnerships to stimulate economic activity and improve quality of life.
With the upcoming launch, Ghana joins a growing list of African nations modernizing their civil documentation services, reflecting a shift toward citizen-centric governance and technological integration in state functions.
