Starting Monday, April 28, 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially commenced the issuance of chip-embedded biometric passports, a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing national security and improving international travel processes. The new passports are equipped with an electronic microchip that securely stores the holder’s biometric information, including fingerprints, facial recognition data, and digital personal details. This technological advancement aligns Ghana with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, making its passports more globally recognized and harder to forge.
According to the Ministry, the rollout is part of a broader government strategy to modernize Ghana’s passport system, streamline application procedures, and protect citizens’ data. Applicants will now benefit from faster processing times, enhanced online application platforms, and improved verification at international borders.
The chip-embedded passports are being introduced in phases, starting with major Passport Application Centers in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Sekondi-Takoradi. Ghanaian missions abroad, including in London, Washington D.C., and Berlin, are also expected to begin issuing the new passports later in the year.
Existing machine-readable passports will remain valid until their expiry dates but will be gradually phased out. Officials encourage citizens planning international travel to begin transitioning to the new biometric passports early to avoid future inconveniences. The initiative forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to improve national identity management, boost international confidence in its travel documents, and ensure smoother immigration experiences for its citizens worldwide.
