The recent proposal by Okudzeto Ablakwa’s committee to introduce a 24-hour passport processing system appears to be nothing more than a red herring. The reality is that a project aimed at modernising passport services has been in operation for the past two years, funded by the World Bank under a Public Sector Reform Program.
As part of these reforms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the passport office as a critical area for improvement. Efforts have been made to digitize the process, clear backlogs, and address the issue of nearly 40,000 unclaimed passports. The passport office has employed multiple strategies, including call centres, courier services, postal delivery, and direct visitations, to ensure applicants receive their documents. While challenges persist—such as incorrect contact details, outdated addresses, and fraudulent information at the application stage—significant progress has already been made.
Okudzeto Ablakwa’s intervention does not introduce anything new. The wheel has already been invented and is in motion. Rather than presenting this as an innovative solution, it would be more beneficial to support the ongoing efforts and address existing challenges with improved coordination and funding.
Similarly, the Consular Fund, intended to assist Ghanaians in the diaspora during welfare emergencies, is not a new initiative. The fund has already been set up, with operational modalities in place. The only remaining hurdle is the release of the $2 million seed money from the Ministry of Finance into the external operations account of the Consular Fund.
The real issue at hand is ensuring that the Minister, Ablakwa, successfully convinces his counterpart at the Finance Ministry to release these funds. Notably, the NPP government, had it won the 2024 elections, had pledged in its manifesto to allocate this amount in the next budget cycle.
Instead of making grand announcements, the focus should be on ensuring the smooth execution of existing projects, avoiding unnecessary political fanfare, and delivering tangible results for Ghanaians.
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The writer, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong is the immediate past Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP for Mampong
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