Stephen Ntim, the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and several members of the National Cathedral Secretariat are among the individuals who have refused to return diplomatic and service passports issued to them under the Akufo-Addo administration. This refusal has led to a significant development, with the Mahama government revoking the travel documents. The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, is also among those who have resisted complying with the government’s directive.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration made an announcement yesterday, May 6, 2025, revealing that it had cancelled 701 diplomatic and service passports belonging to former officials of the previous government and other individuals no longer holding public office. This extensive list includes former ministers and their spouses, ex-members of Parliament, retired justices, and former regional ministers, among others.
The revoked passports cover a wide range of individuals, including former board chairpersons of state institutions, individuals associated with the National Cathedral Project, former non-career ambassadors, and their dependents. Religious and traditional leaders, entrepreneurs, and various other former government appointees are also affected. According to the official statement, the cancellations cover 341 unreturned diplomatic passports and 360 service passports, all of which are now invalid for international travel.
The Ministry stated that the failure or refusal of the holders to comply with the directive has led to the cancellation of the passports. “Consequently, owing to the failure or refusal of the holders to comply with the directive, the 341 unreturned Diplomatic Passports and 360 Service Passports bearing the specified serial numbers have been CANCELLED with immediate effect, upon the instructions of the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs.” The Ministry further emphasized that all affected passports have been placed on the Stop List and will be confiscated if presented at any point of entry or departure.
The cancellation of the passports serves as a clear message that the government is serious about maintaining the proper use of diplomatic privileges. By revoking the passports of former officials who refused to comply with the directive, the government is taking a strong stance against the misuse of official travel documents. This development is likely to have significant implications for how diplomatic passports are managed in the future, ensuring that only authorized personnel hold these documents.
The government’s firm stance on this matter demonstrates its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability within the government. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how this impacts the relationship between the current administration and former officials. The cancellation of the passports is a significant step towards ensuring that diplomatic privileges are used appropriately and in accordance with the law.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
