Foreign Affairs Minister sets up committees for 24-Hour Passport Office and Diaspora Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated a committee to oversee the rollout of the government’s proposed 24-hour passport application office, aimed at improving service delivery and efficiency.

In addition to the passport office initiative, the minister also announced the formation of a separate committee focused on migration issues and the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.

Speaking at his first official meeting with foreign service staff, Mr. Ablakwa outlined plans to introduce a performance assessment system to enhance productivity and maintain high standards within the foreign service.

He further disclosed ongoing efforts to review conditions of service for diplomatic staff, including reinstating a duty waiver for foreign service personnel.

"Our goal is to transform the Passport Office into a 24-hour operation, providing uninterrupted service. We will begin with a pilot program while working towards extending this model to all our missions worldwide," he stated.

“Potentially, we can triple current staff numbers if we roll out a 24-hour operation within the ministry. It is one of the committees we will be setting up today,” he stated.