The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says from April this year, Ghana’s passport will be transitioned to a chip embedded passport.
He says it is an international requirement, and government is committed to achieving it. The Minister was answering questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 13.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the change to chip embedded passports started in 2010 and will be operational in April this year.
”This modernisation effort is designed to enhance border security, reduce identity fraud and streamline international travel,” they added.
Mr Ablakwa reiterated the introduction of a 24-hour passport service and urged Ghanaians to take advantage in acquiring passports in a comfortable manner.
The Minister also said government has reduced the passport fees from 500 cedis to 350 cedis. He explained that the reduction would not incur any loss to the country.
“The NDC and President Mahama are here for the people.” he added.
He revealed that 150 Ghanaians are currently in various detention centers in the United States, awaiting deportation to Ghana.
According to him, measures have been put in place to ensure their safe arrival and reintegration into society.
Mr Ablakwa was in Parliament to apprise the House on the measures taken by government regarding the deportation of Ghanaians from the United States of America.
“A key step in this process was the stakeholder meeting on the 17th of February 2025. The meeting aimed to develop comprehensive preparatory measures in anticipation of potential deportation, evaluate vulnerabilities within the Ghanaian community and establish necessary mechanism,” he said.
The Minister clarified that the U.S. government will bear the cost of the air tickets for the deportees.
The Minister mentioned that he had met with the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and other stakeholders, adding that the government would be resilient and provide resources to support the deportees.
“We cannot expect much from the IOM because they themselves have become victims of the executive orders by President Trump,” he said.
He called for the Consular fund to be supported. ”I’m hoping that when it comes to the estimates honourabe colleagues would help us in that regard.”
Mr Ablakwa also stated that four young children have been affected and assured MPs of their protection.
“Arrangements would be made to ensure the reception of our compatriots upon their arrival in Ghana. This will include health screening psychological support, assistance with specific needs and transportation to their final destination.”
He urged the citizenry not to stigmatize them upon arrival, emphasizing that they are not criminals but hardworking Ghanaians who were unable to regularize their stay in the U.S.
The Foreign Minister further mentioned that, as a result of this incident, some Ghanaians have found it difficult to attend public events and church services in the U.S.
