Prez Akufo-Addo Launches E-Passport

-To Enhance Document Security and Safeguard National Security

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has hailed the introduction of Ghana’s new chip-embedded electronic passport (e-passport) as a transformative step towards enhancing document security, safeguarding national identity, and meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

Speaking during the launch ceremony in Accra, President Nana Akufo-Addo said for generations, the Ghanaian passport had carried the stories, dreams, and aspirations of the people; adding that it had served as a gateway to opportunities, allowing Ghanaians to pursue education, business, and family connections across borders.

He noted that the Ghanaian passport had long been a gateway to the world for people and that its evolution from handwritten travel documents in the 1960s, to typewritten machine-readable passports in the 1990s, and biometric passports in 2010 reflects the country’s determination to adapt to global trends and standards.

Adding that each new version had marked a step forward, affirming the Government’s commitment to provide Ghanaians with secure and efficient means of travel.

“Today, with the e-Passport, we take a giant leap forward. This is not just about catching up with the rest of the world; it is about leading with innovation, putting Ghana on the map as a nation committed to excellence, and making life easier for every Ghanaian,” he stated.

The President said the new passport is a pledge to protect the identity and dignity of every Ghanaian; and that with advanced biometric features securely embedded in a microchip, it is virtually impossible to tamper or forgery.

He observed that this innovation is a crucial step in curbing identity theft and eliminating fraudulent access to Ghana’s travel documents.

Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, who presented the e-passport to the President at the launch said, that transitioning from the use of the biometric passport to the historic chip-embedded passport is not merely an upgrade in technology.

She stated that it is rather a manifestation of the government’s sincere dedication to efficiency, security, and adherence to international standards.

She said while the current biometric passport had served Ghanaians steadfastly for over a decade, the demands of a fast-paced technological evolution had necessitated this upgrade.

“As the gateway to Africa, Ghana must remain at the forefront of growth and development by implementing novel technological developments in security documents taking into account new international standards, threats, and growth prospects,” she said.