Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that 379 suspected foreigners have been arrested for illegally possessing Ghana Cards and attempting to obtain Ghanaian passports.

He attributed the surge in such activities to the rising value of the Ghanaian passport, which now allows visa-free entry to 42 countries.

According to him, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has intensified security protocols to prevent further abuse.

“Foreigners are trying to lay their hands on our passports, but we must be a step ahead. We are implementing a strict, no-nonsense approach. Any foreigner caught attempting to acquire a Ghanaian passport illegally will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

The ministry has also tightened the passport application process by restricting each mobile number to no more than five registrations. Mr. Ablakwa explained that the measure follows the discovery of repeated attempts by the same numbers, which have since been blocked.

He added that the new measures are designed with community demographics and family structures in mind, to prevent loopholes and misuse.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s passport integrity and national security, warning that offenders would face the full force of the law.