The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened the security features of Ghanaian passports and introduced stringent measures to prevent foreigners and criminals from illegally acquiring the country’s travel document.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the move is critical as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a period expected to increase global travel demand and pressure on Ghana’s passport system. The enhanced measures aim to protect the credibility of the Ghanaian passport, especially in light of the country’s growing visa waiver agreements.
Why Ghana Is Strengthening Passport Security
Mr Ablakwa explained that Ghana’s international reputation could suffer if foreigners exploit weaknesses in the passport acquisition process.
“If these countries notice that foreigners, all kinds of international criminals and gangsters can easily acquire Ghanaian passports, it will derail all these gains, and countries will pull out of these bilateral agreements,” he said.
With Ghana enjoying multiple visa-free and visa-waiver travel arrangements, safeguarding the integrity of the passport has become a national priority.
379 Foreigners Arrested for Fake Ghana Card Attempts
As part of the implementation of the new security regime, the Foreign Affairs Minister revealed that:
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379 foreigners have been arrested
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They attempted to acquire Ghanaian passports using fake Ghana Cards
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Arrests followed enhanced screening and intelligence-led monitoring
This crackdown, he noted, demonstrates the seriousness of the government’s commitment to protecting the passport system.
World Cup Travel Pressure and Rising Demand
Ghana is among at least nine African countries that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The qualification has significantly increased the demand for Ghanaian passports, making them one of the most sought-after travel documents on the continent.
“There will certainly be pressure this year, especially as the World Cup approaches,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
New Measures Introduced to Prevent Passport Fraud
To curb infiltration and abuse, the Ministry has rolled out several key interventions:
1. Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence
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AI-driven monitoring systems track passport applications in real time
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Headquarters can monitor all regional passport centres simultaneously
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Flagged applicants are automatically blocked nationwide
2. Centralised Blacklisting System
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Applicants rejected in one region cannot reapply in another
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Once flagged, the individual is blacklisted across all centres instantly
3. Regional Security Collaboration
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Regional Passport Directors now serve as ex officio members of Regional Security Councils (REGSEC)
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Enhanced intelligence sharing with Immigration, National Security and Defence agencies
“We want to really know who you are, what part of Ghana you come from, what makes you a Ghanaian,” the minister emphasised.
Visa Waiver Agreements Boost Ghana Passport Value
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana signed 11 visa waiver agreements last year with countries including:
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Morocco
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Trinidad and Tobago
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Antigua and Barbuda
Currently, Ghanaian passport holders enjoy over 50 visa-free travel destinations, with more agreements expected to be signed in 2026.
E-Visa Policy to Be Introduced in 2026
The Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that the government will roll out an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system this year.
Key Features of the E-Visa Policy
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Online submission of applications and documents
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Reduced processing times
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No need for physical visits to embassies
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Easier access for tourists, business travellers and Africans
The E-Visa initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to modernising Ghana’s immigration system and promoting Pan-Africanism.
