Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to open second Ashanti Passport Centre by 2027

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that the Ashanti Region will benefit from a second Passport Application Centre (PAC) to be established in Mampong by the first quarter of 2027. Speaking during a visit to the existing regional centre in Kumasi on October 14, 2026, the Minister explained that the new facility is essential to manage the high volume of applications in the region. He noted that the Ashanti Region currently relies on a single centre despite its large population, whereas Greater Accra is already served by three separate facilities.

To further bolster service delivery nationwide, the Ministry has procured 20 new pickup vehicles to enhance the mobility of staff and support the rollout of Mobile Passport Application Centres. Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that these mobile units will become a permanent fixture of the Ministry's operations, aiming to reduce travel burdens for citizens in remote areas and significantly cut down on long queues at permanent offices. Additionally, the Minister revealed that the 2027 budget includes provisions for significant renovations at the Kumasi centre to improve the working environment and furniture for staff.

In tandem with these infrastructure developments, the Passport Office has clarified its tiered service options to accommodate different applicant needs. Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, recently defended the introduction of a GH₵2,000 premium service that guarantees 24-hour processing. He noted that this high-speed tier exists alongside more affordable options, including a GH₵700 service for a five-day turnaround and a GH₵350 standard service with a 14-day delivery window. Mr. Mahama assured the public that ongoing operational improvements often allow for passports to be delivered even earlier than these stated timelines.

Moving forward, the Ministry is preparing to present a fee structure for the intensified mobile services to Parliament for approval. The expansion in the Ashanti Region and the investment in logistics are part of a broader strategy to decentralize passport acquisition and modernize the application process across Ghana. The Minister reiterated his commitment to staff welfare and efficiency, stating that equipment upgrades and logistical support are critical to maintaining the productivity gains achieved by the Ministry.