Ghana is set to take a major leap in travel document security with the official launch of chip-embedded passports on April 28, 2025.
The new initiative, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, marks a significant upgrade in the country’s passport system, aligning with global standards and enhancing security features.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the rollout, describing the chip-embedded passports as a “milestone that puts Ghana among countries with the most advanced travel documents.”
The enhanced passports come equipped with state-of-the-art security features including nanotechnology and micro radio frequency identification (RFID) chips that store biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition.
These features, according to the Minister, will make the passports virtually impossible to forge.
“Ghana’s journey with chip-embedded passports began in 2010 with the introduction of biometric passports,” Ablakwa noted.
“However, the aspect of embedding a microchip containing the holder’s biometric data was not implemented at the time. Today, we complete that journey.”
The passports meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Document 9303 standards, which set the guidelines for Machine-Readable Travel Documents (MRTDs) and electronic passports (ePassports).
This new development is expected to significantly boost border security, curb identity fraud, and make international travel more seamless for Ghanaians.
The minister also used the occasion to issue a strong warning against the use of middlemen and unauthorized agents in the passport application process.
“The era of middlemen and unofficial agents operating within our passport offices is unequivocally over,” he stated. “Citizens should only use official channels to avoid being exploited or charged unnecessary fees.”
In addition to the new passport launch, the Ministry is introducing a 24-hour passport service with door-to-door delivery, also set to begin on April 28.
“We are pleased to announce that applicants will now be able to receive their passports within 24 hours, delivered directly to their doorstep,” Ablakwa revealed.
The service, being rolled out in partnership with reputable courier companies, is aimed at increasing convenience and efficiency for passport applicants both within Ghana and abroad.
The Ministry assures that this new chapter in passport services reflects its broader commitment to enhancing accessibility, eliminating fraud, and improving the overall experience for citizens.
