The Ghanaian government, under President John Dramani Mahama, has taken a significant step towards upholding the country’s diplomatic integrity by cancelling 701 diplomatic and service passports. These passports were held by former officials and others who failed to comply with a recall directive issued on January 14, 2025. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the cancellation aims to prevent the misuse of official travel documents and ensure that only active government officials hold such passports.
The move comes after two public notices were issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, urging holders to return the documents by March 17, 2025. While 407 diplomatic and 403 service passport holders complied, returning their documents for verification, 341 diplomatic and 360 service passports were not returned, prompting their cancellation. Those affected include former ministers, Members of Parliament, retired justices, and other high-ranking officials who served under the previous administration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that diplomatic and service passports are reserved for active government officials who require them for official business. The cancellation of these passports is part of a broader effort to enforce accountability and transparency in governance. Minister Ablakwa questioned why non-officials, including celebrities and social media influencers, were allowed to hold such documents under the previous regime.
The decision has sparked debate, with some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) alleging that the move is politically motivated and targets specific individuals. However, defenders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) argue that the cancellation enforces legal standards and upholds the rule of law. Posts on social media have praised the move as a step towards accountability, while others speculate about the potential impact on certain individuals.
This action aligns with President Mahama’s broader governance reset, which includes enforcing asset declaration and implementing anti-corruption measures. By tightening control over official privileges, the government aims to promote transparency and accountability in public office. The public is now eagerly awaiting potential reactions from the affected individuals.
The cancellation of these passports is also seen as a measure to restore public confidence in the use of diplomatic travel privileges. By ensuring that only authorized personnel hold diplomatic and service passports, the government can better track and regulate international travel by government officials. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and it will be interesting to see how this decision plays out in the coming weeks and months.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
