The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has assured passport applicants of a stress-free nationwide transition from biometric to chip-embedded passports, a significant step to improve travel document security and bring the country into compliance with international standards.
The modification became operative on April 28, 2025. Despite the backlog of pending applications on the outdated biometric passport system, the Ministry assured Ghanaians in a public statement that efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition process.
“The Ministry notes that about 30,000 old applications remain on the old system, out of which 7,900 paid applicants have incomplete applications.
“Applicants with incomplete applications are assured that they will not be charged again to complete the pending applications”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
Candidates were encouraged to visit passport.mfa.gov.gh, the Ministry’s new online portal, and follow the instructions there to finish their submissions.
Ghana’s larger plan to update its travel documents and enhance international credibility, security, and traveler convenience includes the switch to chip-embedded passports.
Advanced security features found in chip-embedded passports, such as biometric data embedded in a microchip, make identity verification at international borders quicker and more difficult.
Transition Directives
The Ministry issued a number of important directives to manage the transition, one of which was to ask passport applicants to finish any outstanding applications within ninety days.
All applicants who started their passport applications using the previous biometric system must complete the process within ninety days of the announcement date, the statement emphasized.
This cutoff date is meant to prevent pending applications from interfering with the functionality of the new system.
Second, the Ministry instructed applicants who had appointments under the previous system to report to their assigned Passport Application Centers (PACs) on the dates specified so that their biometric information could be taken. Despite the change, these appointments are still in effect.
The Ministry urged applicants who were unable to attend their appointments on the first two days of the transition (April 28 and 29) to continue processing their applications and to visit their respective passport application centers as soon as possible for additional assistance.
To provide support and ensure transparency, the Ministry also made available a 24-hour hotline at 0302-754-200 for inquiries and clarification.
This move underscores the Ministry’s commitment to customer service and responsiveness in the face of what could otherwise have been a disruptive changeover.
While the transition marks a technological leap forward, the Ministry’s proactive approach in managing legacy applications is likely to build public confidence.
The assurance that previously paid applicants will not incur additional costs reflects a fair and empathetic policy orientation.
The successful completion of this transition could set the stage for future innovations within Ghana’s consular services, including visa processing and identity management.
The Ministry assured the public of continued updates and pledged transparency throughout the process.
Citizens were advised to act promptly if affected, utilize the designated portal, and reach out to the hotline in cases of difficulty or uncertainty.
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