President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on December 2, 2024, launched Ghana’s new chip-embedded passport. An outstanding advancement in the country’s travel documentation system was during a ceremony held in Accra. This inventiveness is used to enhance passport security, safeguard national identity, and align with international standards.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the launch hand over the first chip-embedded passport to the President. This event marks the successful conclusion of a project that began in 2016, per the Passports and Travel Certificates Act of 1967. The Ministry cooperated with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a Ghanaian private company, under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) arrangement to create the new passports, which line up with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) biometric identification standards.
President Akufo-Addo delivered a speech where he showed his delight at the introduction of the new e-passport, calling it a significant milestone in Ghana's pursuit of global technological leadership. He highlighted that the chip-embedded passport represents more than just a technological upgrade—it is a symbol of Ghana’s growth and its readiness to engage with the world on the global stage. “The e-passport signifies who we are and where we are headed as a nation,” he stated, underscoring the document’s dual role as a tool for international travel and a testament to Ghana’s resilience.
The President underscored the technological advancements of the new passport, which features a microchip embedded with biometric data, significantly improving security. He noted that the passport would be much harder to forge or tamper with, helping to protect the identity of every Ghanaian and reduce fraudulent use of travel documents.
With the chip-embedded passport, Ghana is not only upgrading its passport system but is also positioning itself as a leader in innovation, making it easier for Ghanaians to access opportunities abroad for education, business, and family connections.
Ms Botchwey emphasized that the shift from the old biometric passport to the new chip-embedded version was essential for staying aligned with rapidly advancing technological trends. She noted that, while the previous biometric passport had effectively served the country for over a decade, the new version is designed to meet the growing demands of international security and technological progress.
She further stressed that as Africa's gateway, Ghana must remain at the forefront by embracing innovative technological solutions for security documents that tackle emerging challenges and global threats.
Biometric Travel Solutions Limited representative Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa wrung out the pride of his company for being part of the initiative, which meets the standards of ICAO. Mr. Tamás Fehér, Hungary’s Ambassador to Ghana also honour the launch, viewing it as a significant step in strengthening the ties between Ghana and Hungary.
This initiative is expected to enhance the global mobility of Ghanaians while ensuring that their travel documents remain secure and internationally recognized.
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