The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has released a list of officials affected by President John Dramani Mahama’s recent recall of diplomatic and service passports.
On Wednesday, January 15, the Office of the President directed the withdrawal of all diplomatic and service passports issued under the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This initiative aims to strengthen the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documents and diplomatic engagements.
In a statement confirming the directive the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has listed the officials required to return their passports. These officials include,
1. Former ministers and their spouses
2. Former Members of Parliament from all political affiliations
3. Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses
4. Former or retired justices from both the Superior and Lower Courts
5. Former regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives
6. Chief executive officers of state institutions and members of boards
7. Officials involved with the National Cathedral Project
8. Former political ambassadors and their dependents
9. Businessmen and entrepreneurs
10. Religious and traditional leaders
11. Former government functionaries
12. Any individuals holding official passports without currently serving in an official state capacity
These individuals are required to return their passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Friday, January 24, 2025. The recall is intended to allow a review of all diplomatic and service passports to ensure they meet the current eligibility criteria under sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).
The measure also seeks to prevent misuse and protect the credibility of Ghana’s official travel documents. The Ministry has urged all affected passport holders to comply with the directive.