In a bold move to tighten travel privileges and enforce the law, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration headed by, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has officially cancelled all diplomatic and service passports held by former public officials, effective May 6, 2025.
According to a press release from the Ministry, the decision follows two prior notices—issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025—calling for the return of these special-category passports.
Who is Affected?
This cancellation impacts a wide range of former officeholders who are no longer in active service. The list includes:
• Former Ministers and Parliamentarians
• Retired Judges
• Former Members of the Council of State
• Past MMDCEs and Ambassadors
• Board Members of Public Institutions
• Traditional Leaders
• And other individuals who no longer hold official government positions
The Numbers
Out of 747 diplomatic and service passports recalled:
• 407 were diplomatic passports
• 403 were service passports
But by the deadline:
• Only 341 diplomatic passports and 360 service passports were returned
That leaves 46 diplomatic and 43 service passports unaccounted for—these have now been officially cancelled and placed on a Stop List.
What Does This Mean?
Anyone caught trying to use a cancelled passport for travel will have it confiscated at the point of departure. The Ministry has activated systems to ensure that these passports cannot be used for international travel.
This action is in line with Ghana’s Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), which governs the issuance and usage of travel documents. The Ministry explained that this move is intended to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s travel credentials and ensure that only active government officials enjoy diplomatic travel privileges.
Why It Matters
Diplomatic and service passports offer holders special privileges such as faster processing, visa waivers, and diplomatic courtesies. Allowing former officials to continue using them could lead to abuse of power, misrepresentation, or security issues—hence the government’s crackdown.
