The Passport Head Office in Accra’s Ridge neighborhood has been temporarily closed following an alleged attack by a group of aggrieved Zongo youth. The incident occurred on Friday night, May 9, when the group stormed the premises demanding the immediate release of their passports to prepare for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
According to sources, no explanation offered by officials could appease the crowd. “No explanation to the angry mob was satisfactory to them,” a source stated. The situation escalated, forcing the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant to flee for their safety.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs had recently launched a 24-hour passport service to reduce processing time to 15 days and clear backlogs. The initiative included a courier delivery service and a week-long shift system.
During a visit to the office on Saturday, May 10, only one plaincloth security officer was present, and two foreign nationals exited the premises. Sources indicated that the police were overwhelmed by the number of attackers, with over 20 well-built men arriving on motorbikes.
It remains unclear when full passport services will resume. An applicant, Fati Musah, was turned away while trying to collect her passport, expressing frustration that further delays could affect her travel plans. Some pilgrims are expected to depart for Hajj on Monday and Tuesday, and any additional delays may cause them to miss their flights.
