PREZ. MAHAMA RECALLS DIPLOMATIC AND SERVICE PASSPORTS ISSUED BY AKUFO – ADDO’s ADMINISTRATION

The Ghanaian government has ordered that all service and diplomatic passports issued by the previous administration be immediately recalled.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the directive was sent to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama.

DETAILS INVOLVED IN THE LETTER

The letter states that the recall is a component of the government’s efforts under President John Dramani Mahama to expedite the issuing of official travel permits and guarantee their appropriate use in accordance with both domestic and international standards.
Also, it states that by prohibiting the abuse of these high-level passports, this directive seeks to protect the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic interactions.
Notifying all holders of diplomatic and service passports issued by the previous administration to return their documents is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The notice gives everyone involved until January 24, 2025, to comply by returning the passports.

MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS

According to the President, the notice gives everyone involved until January 24, 2025, to comply by returning the passports.
To make sure the returned passports fulfill the current requirements for issuance, a comprehensive verification procedure will be conducted.
Government officials, diplomats, and some high-ranking persons who represent the nation on official business are usually the only ones granted diplomatic and service passports. Misuse of them can put the nation’s security and reputation at serious danger.

FAQ’s

Who issued the directive to recall diplomatic and service passports?
a) President Akufo-Addo
b) Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama *
What is the primary reason given for recalling the passports?
a) To punish the previous administration.
b) To expedite passport issuing and ensure proper use. *
By when must passport holders return their documents?
a) January 14, 2025
b) January 24, 2025 *
What will happen to the returned passports?
a) They will be destroyed immediately.
b) They will undergo a verification process. *
Who typically receives diplomatic and service passports?
a) All Ghanaian citizens.
b) Government officials, diplomats, and high-ranking individuals. *