The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revoked a total of 701 diplomatic and service passports as part of a nationwide effort to recall official travel documents from unauthorized holders. This decision, announced in a statement on Tuesday, follows earlier public notices issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, urging former officeholders and related individuals to return their official passports.
The Ministry revealed that the cancelled passports comprise 341 Diplomatic passports and 360 Service passports which were not returned by the deadline. All affected documents have now been placed on a stop-list, rendering them invalid for international travel. “These passports are no longer valid and must be confiscated if found in use,” the statement warned, adding that enforcement would be strict at all ports of entry and exit.
The individuals affected by the cancellation include former Ministers of State and their spouses, former Members of Parliament, former members of the Council of State and their spouses, as well as retired Justices from both the Superior and Lower Courts. Others include former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), former board members, officials linked to the National Cathedral Project, and former non-career ambassadors along with their dependents.
Additionally, the Ministry cited religious and traditional leaders, businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and other former government functionaries not currently serving in any official capacity. This action, the Ministry stated, forms part of efforts to enforce the provisions of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), particularly Sections 6 and 7, which govern the proper issuance and use of official passports.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s diplomatic and service passports are used strictly in accordance with the law and reserved for eligible individuals actively serving the state.
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
