Ghana Unveils Biometric ePassports From April 28 for Safer Travel
Ghana to Begin Issuing Chip-Embedded Biometric Passports from April 28 to Boost Travel Security and Efficiency
The Government of Ghana is set to begin issuing chip-embedded biometric passports starting Monday, April 28, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in enhancing national travel documentation standards and aligns with global practices for secure and efficient identification.
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the official rollout date during a press briefing in Accra. The new passports, also known as electronic or e-passports, were initially launched in December 2024 and are designed to significantly improve the security, integrity, and usability of Ghanaian travel documents.
At the core of the new passport is a secure microchip embedded within its pages. This chip stores vital biometric information, including the passport holder’s photograph and personal data, which can be electronically verified by immigration systems worldwide. The inclusion of both visible (patent) and hidden (latent) security features provides robust protection against forgery and identity theft.
The passport’s design pays homage to Ghana’s cultural identity by incorporating traditional Adinkra symbols such as “Fawohodie,” symbolizing freedom and independence, and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu,” representing democracy and unity.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the initiative is part of broader government reforms aimed at digitizing public services and improving transparency in the passport application process. To further eliminate middlemen and improve access, the ministry is also introducing 24-hour passport centers, home delivery via courier services, digital tracking systems, and has slashed passport application fees by 30%.
He stressed the government’s commitment to citizen-centered service delivery and urged Ghanaians to take full advantage of the upgraded system. With chip-embedded passports already standard in many countries, Ghana’s adoption of this technology places it in line with international best practices, paving the way for more seamless global travel for its citizens.
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