Ghana is meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) requirements with its new security-enhanced chip-embedded passports
Monday, 28 April 2025, marked a historic day in Ghana’s passport administration as the country officially began the mass roll-out of the Chip-Embedded Passport, alongside a full suite of progressive reforms aimed at modernising passport acquisition, enhancing security, and improving the overall experience for citizens.
The event, attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministers of State, Deputy Majority Leader, Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, Heads of State Institutions, Chief Director and Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Management of Biometric Travel Solutions (BTS), and other private partners, symbolised the end of long-standing frustrations linked to passport acquisition—such as extended wait times and thousands of uncollected passports—and the beginning of a new era for Passport Services.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ablakwa stated: “Today symbolises a reset and the ushering in of a new era of modernisation, convenience, and deep respect for Ghanaian citizens.” The Minister also highlighted that “as Ghana rolls out its first chip-embedded polycarbonate (PC) biographical data-page passport, equipped with the highest latent and patent security inputs, sector players, end-users, and regulators within the document security management ecosystem can be assured of robust security features that are nearly impossible to forge.”
Key features of the new passport regime include:
Chip-Embedded Passport: Ghana will no longer issue the old biometric passports. All new issuances will feature advanced chip-embedded technology.
24-Hour Operations: The Passport Head Office will now operate around the clock to better assist citizens.
Courier Delivery: Ghana Post and Troskit will deliver passports to Ghanaians across the country.
E-Tracking System: Applicants can track the status of their passport applications from submission to delivery.
Faster Turnaround Time: Regular applications will be processed within 15 working days, while expedited services will take just 5 working days.
Reduced Application Fees: Cabinet has approved the reduction of application fees from GHS500 to GHS350, pending parliamentary approval.
Ghana is meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) requirements with the introduction of these security-enhanced chip-embedded passports. According to ICAO, current passport formats will be outdated by 2030.
Passport Care Guidelines:
The chip-embedded passport should be kept away from heat and liquids, stored properly to avoid bending or damage, and not kept in back pockets. Users should also avoid inserting other chip-enabled cards into the passport.
