Check out the categories of recalled diplomatic and service passports by government

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced that certain individuals and organizations must return diplomatic and service passports issued during the Akufo-Addo administration.

This directive, initiated by the Office of the President, seeks to align with updated eligibility requirements and maintain the integrity of these official travel documents.

A similar directive was issued during President John Mahama’s tenure. Passports were recalled to ensure proper usage, prevent misuse, and safeguard Ghana’s reputation. The President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform affected passport holders, set a deadline, and thoroughly review the documents.

Affected Groups and Deadline

In a statement dated January 15, the Ministry outlined that the recall applies to various categories, including:

• Former ministers and their spouses.
• Former Members of Parliament, irrespective of party affiliation.
• Members of the Council of State and their spouses.
• Retired justices of superior and lower courts.
• Former regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives.
• CEOs of state institutions, along with board members and chairs.
• Officials linked to the National Cathedral Project.
• Former political ambassadors and their dependents.
• Businesspeople, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and other ex-government officials.

Additionally, the directive targets any individual holding official passports but no longer serving in a capacity defined under Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).

Compliance Requirements

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set Friday, January 24, 2025, as the deadline for returning these passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau.

This measure aims to prevent potential misuse and ensure the standards of issuing diplomatic and Service Passports are upheld.