Ghana Card Set to Revolutionize Passport Application Process
The frustrating and lengthy passport acquisition process in Ghana, often plagued by ‘Goro Boys’ (illegal middlemen) and taking up to six months, is set for a major overhaul. The Ghana Card, with its robust biometric data, will soon be integrated into the passport application process, potentially cutting processing time to just a few days.
Currently, the passport process involves several cumbersome steps, including purchasing forms online, biometric data capture, and lengthy waiting times. The integration of the Ghana National Identification System will significantly streamline these procedures by leveraging biometric data already captured.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed the plan during his parliamentary vetting on January 31, 2025, stating:
“I do not think that in this age, Ghanaians with Ghana Card should be queuing to register for passports.”
The Minister believes that using Ghana Card data will drastically reduce delays and eliminate the influence of Goro Boys.
However, Kwesi Atuahene, former Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation, pointed out challenges. He noted that the Ghana Card data, issued between 2018 and 2019, remains outdated for many individuals, potentially causing inaccuracies during passport processing.
Atuahene suggested introducing a data updating mechanism for changes in occupation, educational qualifications, and addresses. Without these updates, inconsistencies between the Ghana Card and passport records could arise, affecting international travel and official transactions.
Despite these challenges, the Ghana Card’s integration into the passport process marks a significant step in Ghana’s digital transformation, promising faster, more efficient, and corruption-free passport services for all citizens.
Source: B&FT