Passports director interdicted over alleged $50,000 sale of service passports

Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has interdicted the Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, following allegations that Ghanaian service passports are being sold for as much as US$50,000.

Sources said the decision was taken to allow investigations into the alleged transactions to proceed and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported sale of the travel documents.

The allegations were raised by the Minority in Parliament, which claimed that service passports were being offered to individuals for US$50,000.

Following the claims, the Ministry initiated investigations to establish their credibility and determine whether any officials were involved in the alleged transactions.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demanded the publication of details of all diplomatic and service passports issued since 2025.

The party's call follows allegations that hundreds of individuals who do not satisfy the eligibility requirements have been granted the travel documents.

The NPP wants the government to disclose the identities or official positions of the beneficiaries, the criteria used to determine their eligibility and the authorities who approved the issuance of the passports.

According to the party, making the information public would promote transparency and accountability in the administration and distribution of diplomatic and service passports.