Foreign Affairs names groups of former officials to return Diplomatic/Service Passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a directive for the recall of Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the previous administration, specifically naming a broad range of former officials and other individuals required to return their travel documents.

In a public announcement, the Ministry outlined that the exercise, mandated by the Office of the President, aims to ensure compliance with current eligibility criteria for official passports and prevent potential misuse.

Named categories for passport recall

The directive identifies the following groups as being required to submit their Diplomatic and Service Passports by Friday, 24th January 2025:

– Former Ministers and their spouses.
– Former Members of Parliament across all political affiliations.
– Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts.
– Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives.
– Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, Chairs, and Members of Boards.
– Officials of the National Cathedral Project.
– Former Political Ambassadors and their dependants.
– Businesspersons, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.
– Other former government functionaries no longer serving in official roles.

The Ministry clarified that the recall applies to all individuals holding Diplomatic and Service Passports who do not meet the eligibility requirements under the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 NLCD 155.

Objective of the recall

In its statement, the Ministry highlighted the need for the exercise to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documents. The announcement stated, “The recall exercise is to ensure a review of all Diplomatic and Service Passports in line with the current eligibility criteria for issuance. It is further aimed at preventing misuse and safeguarding the integrity of the Diplomatic and Service Passports.”

Review and re-issuance process

The Ministry has called for all affected individuals to return their passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau for a thorough review and possible reissuance. This process will ensure alignment with current standards for holding such documents.

Government Assurance

The directive follows a letter from the Office of the President, signed by Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, which emphasised the Government’s commitment to maintaining the proper use and administration of Diplomatic and Service Passports in line with international standards.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded by urging all affected parties to cooperate with the directive to ensure the smooth execution of this important exercise. Further details on the process are expected to be released in the coming days.