Passport Head Office shuts down over attacks by angry youth

The Passport Head Office at Ridge in Accra has been shut down temporarily following an incident involving a group of angry Zongo youth who allegedly attacked staff.

According to eyewitnesses, the event took place on the night of May 9, when the group entered the office demanding the return of their passports in order to prepare for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

Despite attempts by officials to provide explanations, none appeared to satisfy the agitated youth.

“No explanation to the angry mob was satisfactory to them,” the source stated.

Reports indicate that the situation escalated, forcing both the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant, brought in to expedite passport processing for pilgrims, to leave the area for their safety.

Recent efforts by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to enhance services included launching a 24-hour passport service aimed at reducing processing times to 15 days, alongside a courier delivery option.

The initiative also implemented a week-long shift system, enabling staff to work around the clock to assist applicants.

However, a visit to the Ridge office on Saturday, May 10, at 1:54 p.m. revealed that only one plainclothes security officer was present.

Reports suggest that during the disturbance, only two police officers were on duty and found it difficult to manage the large crowd, which included over 20 strong individuals arriving on motorcycles.

As of now, it remains unclear when the Passport Head Office will reopen for full services, with no official report filed at the police station regarding the incident.

Fati Musah, a passport applicant, arrived at the office to collect her chip-embedded passport but was turned away.

She voiced her frustration, stating, “Some Muslims are due to leave for Hajj on Monday, while the rest depart on Tuesday. Any further delays could affect my travel”.