The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, officially commissioned a Passport Application Centre (PAC) in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in the government’s decentralisation agenda.
The commissioning forms part of a broader national effort to bring passport services closer to citizens, particularly those in remote and underserved communities, while improving efficiency and transparency in passport acquisition.
The ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, including traditional authorities (Nananom), Catholic priests, pastors, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), assembly members, and members of the general public, underscoring the importance of the facility to the region.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Gyakye Quayson said the new centre would ease the burden on applicants who previously had to travel long distances to access passport services. He noted that beyond convenience, the facility would also stimulate local economic activity by creating business opportunities along the service supply chain, allowing residents and entrepreneurs to establish small-scale enterprises to support its operations.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ use of technology to enhance the efficiency of the online passport application system. He explained that the ongoing reforms are designed to reduce processing delays, improve transparency, and strengthen public confidence in the system.
According to him, the Sefwi Wiawso PAC will help decongest existing passport offices across the country, minimise document fraud, and curb the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “goro boys,” who exploit applicants.
The commissioning of the Sefwi Wiawso centre follows similar launches in Wa, Dambai, and other regional capitals, bringing the total number of Passport Application Centres nationwide to thirteen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he disclosed, plans to establish a PAC in every region by the end of 2025, with further expansions planned for the six newly created regions.
Local leaders and regional officials welcomed the initiative, noting that the new centre will save residents considerable time and cost that would otherwise be incurred travelling to Accra or Kumasi for passport services. They described the facility as a timely intervention that will improve access to essential public services and promote regional development.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku