The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated a new Passport Application Centre (PAC) in Dambai, the capital of the Oti Region, bringing government services closer to residents and easing the burden of travelling long distances for passport services.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Minister Ablakwa emphasised that development should not be confined to certain areas but should reach all parts of the country.

“The government aims that by the end of December 2025, every region in Ghana will have a Passport Application Centre,” he said, highlighting the Mahama administration’s commitment to inclusive national development.

The minister also warned against attempts by foreigners to obtain Ghanaian passports illegally, describing such acts as criminal offences.

“We are ahead of those who try to acquire Ghanaian passports illegally; we have retrained all passport application staff and adopted stricter vetting procedures,” he added.

Reforms have also been introduced to streamline the application process, including a new policy allowing applicants to receive their passports without returning to the centre.

Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong welcomed the initiative, noting that residents previously had to travel long distances to Ho, Tamale, or other areas to access passport services—a situation that incurred additional costs and inconveniences.

“Establishing the new passport centre in Dambai offers relief, dignity, and renewed hope to residents,” he said, urging the community to take ownership of the facility and make use of it responsibly.

The new PAC is expected to reduce travel burdens, curb middleman activities, and improve efficiency for residents seeking passports, reflecting the government’s broader push to make essential services accessible nationwide.