Foreign Affairs Ministry revokes 701 diplomatic and service passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revoked 701 Diplomatic and Service passports as part of a nationwide effort to retrieve official travel documents from individuals no longer eligible to hold them.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry disclosed that the decision follows multiple public reminders issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, urging former officials and associated persons to surrender their official passports.

According to the Ministry, the revoked passports include 341 Diplomatic passports and 360 Service passports that were not returned by the stipulated deadlines. All of these documents have now been placed on a stop-list, effectively invalidating them for international travel.

“These passports are invalid and must be seized if presented at any entry or exit point,” the statement emphasized, noting that border enforcement agencies have been directed to act accordingly.

The revocation affects a wide range of former public officeholders, including ex-Ministers and their spouses, former Members of Parliament, retired judges from both Superior and Lower Courts, and past members of the Council of State. It also extends to former Regional Ministers, MMDCEs, board members, National Cathedral project officials, non-career ambassadors and their dependents.

Others named include traditional and religious leaders, business figures, and various individuals previously connected to government roles but no longer serving in any official capacity.

The Ministry clarified that the move is in line with Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), which regulate the issuance and use of official travel documents.

Reaffirming its stance, the Ministry stated it remains committed to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s official passports and ensuring they are reserved strictly for individuals who are currently serving the state in an official capacity.