International Relations Expert Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to implement stricter criteria for issuing diplomatic and service passports.
He believes this is essential to ensure these passports are granted only to individuals with genuine state-related responsibilities.
Dr. Antwi-Danso’s remarks come after public outcry following the ministry’s release of a list of individuals affected by President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to recall diplomatic and service passports issued under the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The recall aims to protect the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documents and diplomatic relations.
Dr. Antwi-Danso emphasised the importance of tightening the passport issuance process to prevent abuse and preserve credibility.
“Diplomatic passports should be issued only to those whose work directly serves the state. Unfortunately, here, the process is often influenced by personal connections or favouritism.
“When someone with a diplomatic passport behaves irresponsibly, it can damage Ghana’s relations with the host country.
“That’s why the criteria for issuing these passports must be rigorous and tightly controlled,” he said in an interview with Citi FM on January 17.