24-Hour Passport Printing: Over 31,000 chip-embedded passport produced-Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has made it clear that over 31,935 chip-embedded passports have been printed since the introduction of the 24-hour passport production system four weeks ago. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said this on Saturday [May 24, 2025], after a midnight visit to the passport head  office earlier in the week.

The visit was design to assess the current, non-stop passport printing operations was put in place to handle a backlog of applications. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in a post on Facebook that “Earlier this week, I paid a surprise visit to the passport head office at midnight to check on our new 24-hour chip-embedded passport printing operations,”

The approximately 32,000 passports produced so far indicate output from the start of the new system on April 28, 2025. The launch of the chip-embedded passports represents a new era in Ghana’s efforts to boost security and international acceptance of its travel documents.

During the visit, Mr Ablakwa recognized the efforts of staff working the night shift, terming them as hardworking and patriotic. He said their commitment was reflected in the work’s progress being done under the new 24-hour schedule.

The minister highlighted that “I commend my hardworking and patriotic staff for their impressive work ethic,” thinking about the changeover from previous operating hours to the current continuous system. Over the years, passport applicants in Ghana have faced prolonged wait times, with some waiting months to receive their documents. The new printing system should help reduce this burden and enhance service quality.

The chip-embedded passports come with added security features and are in accordance with  international standards for biometric travel documents. They are designed to strengthen the trustworthiness of Ghana’s passport and make it more widely acceptable for international travel. Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s decision to visit the head office undisclosed is seen as part of efforts to monitor progress at first instance and show a direct involvement in management.

He disclosed that “The RESET is on , we shall not disappoint the good people of Ghana:” He ended his announcement with the words “For God and Country,”together with an image of the national flag, highlighting the significance of the reform nationwide.

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