In a statement released on Monday (28 April 2025), the Ministry described the upgrade as a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to modernise travel documentation and strengthen security features in line with international standards.
As part of the transition, the Ministry revealed that nearly 30,000 passport applications are still pending on the old biometric system. Out of that number, some 7,900 applications remain incomplete despite payment.
The Ministry is urging applicants with incomplete submissions to finalise their applications through the new online portal of the ministry, which does not require additional payment.
Key updates provided in the statement include:
- Applicants who began the process under the old system must complete their applications within 90 days.
- Those with scheduled biometric appointments should honor them as planned.
- Applicants who missed appointments on 28 or 29 April are advised to report to the designated Passport Application Centres to continue the process.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and has made its 24-hour helpline available for public enquiries.
Ghana’s shift to chip-embedded passports is expected to enhance identity verification, reduce fraud, and align the country’s passport issuance process with global best practices.
Read the statement in full below:
