Only three countries distinguish between Ghana’s diplomatic and service passports – Minority

The Minority in Parliament has identified Hong Kong, Qatar and Turkey as the only three destinations that distinguish between Ghanaian diplomatic and service passport holders in their visa-free travel arrangements.

According to the caucus, Ghanaian diplomatic passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, while holders of service passports can travel to 59 countries without obtaining visas.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, November 8, the Minority said the two categories of passports offer largely similar travel benefits, with only three destinations treating them differently.

“For the rest of the 59 countries, they treat diplomatic and service passports as practically the same,” the Minority said.

It explained that the travel privileges attached to the documents eliminate the need for holders to go through visa application procedures, pay associated fees or face delays and possible visa refusals.

The caucus argued that these benefits could make the passports attractive to individuals seeking to obtain them outside the legally prescribed processes.

It stressed that diplomatic and service passports are special official documents issued under the authority of the Republic and should only be given to people who meet the requirements under the law.

Under Section 6 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), diplomatic passports may be issued to specified government officials, diplomatic and consular officers, heads of Ghanaian delegations to international conferences and certain prominent citizens or high public officials whose travel requires such documentation.

Section 7 provides for service passports for public officers and other Ghanaians travelling abroad strictly on official State business but who do not qualify for diplomatic passports.

The Minority has raised concerns that individuals may have paid to obtain the documents through false official designations, describing the alleged practice as a diversion of a facility intended for State business.

It is seeking a parliamentary investigation into the allegations and says it will file a motion on Monday, November 9, for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to examine the available evidence.