Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
In a historic milestone for Ghana’s public service delivery, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, commissioned the Savannah Regional Passport Application Centre, marking the first time in the nation’s history that all sixteen regions have a dedicated passport office.
The ceremony, held on the final day of 2025 in Damongo, was described by the Minister as a crowning achievement in the government’s drive to decentralize and digitize essential services.
“It was most fulfilling and memorable spending the last day of 2025 in the Savannah Region where I commissioned the first-ever Regional Passport Application Centre,” Minister Ablakwa stated. “For the first time in Ghana’s entire history, we have established Passport Application Centres in all regions. This means no Ghanaian will have to travel to another region simply to apply for a passport.”
The Minister underscored that the achievement was a key target of the government’s “Reset Agenda” for transformative governance. Prior to this rollout, applicants from several regions faced significant logistical and financial burdens to access passport services, often having to travel to Accra or other regional capitals.
Royal Endorsement and Security Pledge
The historic event was graced by the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, whose support was acknowledged by the Minister. “I convey my profound appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewusoale I, The King of the Gonja Kingdom, for his exceptionally warm hospitality in his palace,” Minister Ablakwa said.
Alongside the expansion of services, the Minister announced a major security directive to safeguard the integrity of the Ghanaian passport. “All Regional Security Councils have been tasked to work closely with our Regional Passport Directors to tighten security and ensure that no foreigner acquires a Ghana passport,” he declared. “This is in addition to the investments we have made in modern security technology.”
The move is seen as a direct response to longstanding concerns over document fraud and the illicit acquisition of passports by non-citizens.
Gratitude and Forward Look
Minister Ablakwa praised the officials at his Ministry who drove the nationwide rollout to completion. “I thank all colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their remarkable cooperation and tireless efforts in helping to achieve our 2025 targets,” he said.
Looking ahead to the new year with optimism, the Minister added, “2026 shall be better, and we shall set more records together. The Reset Agenda is Real. For God and Country.”
The commissioning in Damongo effectively closes a major chapter in the government’s accessibility agenda, placing essential documentation services within reach of every Ghanaian citizen, irrespective of their location.
