Government Orders Return of Diplomatic and Service Passports
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has reinforced its directive for the return of all Diplomatic and Service Passports issued under the previous administration. This follows an earlier mandate from the Office of the President and a public notice issued on January 15, 2025.
Hundreds of Passports Still Outstanding
Despite prior notifications, the Ministry reports that 404 Diplomatic Passports and 387 Service Passports remain unreturned. Holders who have not yet complied must submit their passports by March 17, 2025, at the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who Is Affected?
The recall directive applies to the following categories of individuals:
- Former Ministers and their Spouses
- Former Members of Parliament (irrespective of political affiliation)
- Former Council of State Members and their Spouses
- Former/Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
- Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives
- Chairs and Members of Boards of State Institutions
- Officials of the National Cathedral Project
- Former Political Ambassadors and their Dependents
- Businesspersons and Entrepreneurs
- Former Government Functionaries
- Individuals holding official passports without current official capacity for the State
For more details on passport eligibility requirements, visit the Ghana Immigration Service website for official guidelines.
Passports to Be Invalidated After Deadline
The Ministry has issued a firm warning: passports that are not returned by the deadline will be canceled and placed on the Stop-Watch List. These documents will be flagged for confiscation at Ghana’s entry and exit points.
Authorities have also emphasized that retaining an unauthorized passport may result in legal consequences. Travelers attempting to use revoked passports could face detainment or denial of entry at immigration checkpoints.
What You Should Do Next
If you or someone you know holds an unreturned Diplomatic or Service Passport, act now by surrendering it at the Legal and Treaties Bureau before March 17, 2025.
For further inquiries or clarification, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via their official website: www.mfa.gov.gh.