The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commissioned a Passport Application Centre in Damongo, effectively completing government’s pledge to establish passport offices in all 16 regional capitals.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the government’s decentralisation agenda, aimed at expanding access to essential public services and easing the burden on citizens who previously had to travel long distances to apply for passports.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that when he assumed office, only nine regions had passport application centres.

He said the Ministry deliberately worked towards ensuring that all regional capitals had fully operational centres before the end of 2025.

“In pursuit of this vision, application centres were successfully opened in Bolgatanga, Dambai, Techiman, Damongo, Goaso, Nalerigu and Sefwi-Wiawso within the year,” the Minister noted.

He also outlined ongoing reforms within the passport administration system, stressing government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s passport.

According to him, strict verification processes will be enforced to ensure that only eligible Ghanaian citizens are issued the travel document.

The Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, commended the government for bringing the service closer to the people, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.

Savannah Regional Minister, Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe, pledged his administration’s support to ensure the smooth operation of the Damongo centre.

He further announced plans to allocate a two-acre parcel of land for the construction of a permanent passport office in the region.

Representing the Savannah Parliamentary Caucus, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, expressed optimism that the facility would significantly reduce the challenges residents previously faced in accessing passport services outside the region.

The event drew service commanders, traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents from across the Savannah Region.

Earlier in the day, the Foreign Affairs Minister paid a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura at the Jakpa Palace, where he briefed the Overlord on the government’s passport reforms and decentralisation efforts.