Replacement of passports are being processed — Chief Director assures flood victims
The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Idrissu, has assured victims of the June 29 floods in Accra that the Ministry is working to complete the processing of all verified applications for free replacement passports.
She gave the assurance on Friday in Accra during the presentation of the first batch of 100 replacement passports at the Ministry's headquarters.
The exercise forms part of a special intervention announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to replace, at no cost, passports that were lost or damaged during the floods.
Representing the Minister at the ceremony, Ambassador Idrissu said the Ministry received about 500 applications after opening a special window for affected persons on July 3.
"We received approximately 500 applications from victims whose passports were either lost or damaged during the floods. Every application is undergoing a thorough verification process to ensure it meets the established requirements," she said.
She explained that the 100 passports presented marked the first phase of the exercise, with additional batches to be issued as the verification process is completed.
"The passports we are presenting today constitute the first batch. We want to assure all applicants whose passports are still being processed that the exercise is ongoing and every effort is being made to complete the remaining batches as quickly as possible", she said.
She noted that the intervention reflects the government's commitment to supporting citizens during difficult times and easing the burden created by the disaster.
"This initiative is being undertaken at no cost to the beneficiaries because we recognise the hardship many families have endured. We believe that when one Ghanaian is affected by a national disaster, we all have a responsibility to offer support," she added.
Ambassador Idrissu commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs for directing the intervention and praised staff of the Ministry and the Passport Office for their dedication in ensuring that applications were processed without delay.
She also encouraged applicants awaiting their passports to remain patient, assuring them that the Ministry was committed to completing the exercise as soon as possible.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Richmond Debrah commended the Minister, the Ministry's management and staff for what he described as a compassionate and timely intervention.
"The floods affected many families and destroyed important documents, including passports. Replacing them individually would have been difficult for many of us. This support has brought relief and restored hope to those affected," he said.