President Mahama Orders Recall of Diplomatic and Service Passports
Accra, Ghana – In a significant move to safeguard the integrity of the country’s official travel documents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced the recall of diplomatic and service passports issued under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Office of the President issued the directive on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, as part of efforts to enhance Ghana’s diplomatic engagements and prevent potential misuse of official travel documents.
Affected Officials
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined the list of individuals required to return their diplomatic and service passports by Friday, January 24, 2025. The following groups are impacted:
- Former Ministers and spouses
- Former Members of Parliament (regardless of political affiliation)
- Former Members of the Council of State and spouses
- Former/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
- Businessmen and Entrepreneurs
- Religious and Traditional Leaders
- Former Government Functionaries
- All other individuals holding official passports not currently serving in an official capacity for the state
The recall aims to ensure that all passports are reviewed in accordance with the current eligibility criteria for issuance.
Purpose of the Recall
The exercise is part of a broader effort to prevent the misuse of Ghana’s Diplomatic and Service passports and maintain the credibility of the country’s diplomatic channels. The Ministry has urged all affected holders to return their passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the deadline of January 24, 2025.
The Ministry expressed its gratitude for the cooperation of all involved, underscoring the importance of this initiative in reinforcing the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documentation.
