The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commissioned the new Passport Application Centre (PAC) in Dambai, the capital of the Oti region, making government services more accessible to residents.

During the ceremony on Monday, December 29, 2025, he emphasised that development should not be confined to specific areas but should reach every part of the country so that all Ghanaians can feel included in the nation’s progress.

He mentioned that under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, no region would be left behind.

“The government aims that by the end of December 2025, every region in Ghana will have a Passport Application Centre,” he stated.

The minister highlighted that community participation was vital to the project’s success. “There was complete community ownership in this project,” he said.

He warned against attempts by foreigners to acquire Ghanaian passports, describing it as a criminal offence.

He stressed that, given the Oti region’s borders with neighbouring countries, heavy security will be maintained at the centre to ensure applicants are aware that measures are in place to prevent fraud.

“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 affirmed.

He further explained that significant reforms have been introduced to streamline the passport application process, including a new policy where applicants will no longer need to return to the centre to pick up their passports.

The minister reaffirmed his dedication to national development, ensuring that every Ghanaian feels part of the country’s progress, and the opening of the PAC office is a testament to this commitment.

He called on residents of the region to take ownership of the facility and avoid any actions that could undermine its purpose.

The Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, praised the initiative and described the opening of the application centre as a sign of the government’s responsiveness and hope for the people, rather than just a formality.

He pointed out that for years, residents of the Oti region had to travel long distances to access passport services in Ho, Volta region, or other nearby areas such as Tamale in the Northern region, which involved costs and inconvenience.

He noted that establishing the new passport centre in Dambai offers relief, dignity, and renewed hope to residents.

He expressed confidence that the new facility will improve efficiency, reduce travel burdens, and combat middleman activities, and he encouraged residents to use the centre for their passport needs.