The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, has commissioned a new Passport Application Centre in Goaso, in the Ahafo Region, marking a significant step in government’s drive to decentralise public services.

The facility was officially opened on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and is expected to ease the burden on applicants who previously had to travel long distances to access passport services.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Gyakye Quayson said the Goaso centre would help reduce travel costs, delays, and the frustrations associated with passport acquisition, while also curbing the activities of middlemen who exploit applicants.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people and urged staff of the centre to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and efficiency.

To demonstrate the centre’s readiness, the Deputy Minister personally presented a passport to an applicant who had completed the application process at the Goaso facility.

The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, described the commissioning as a fulfilment of President Mahama’s vision of improving access to public services nationwide.

She noted that the new centre would not only improve efficiency but also decongest other passport application centres across the country.

She further called on stakeholders and residents to support and protect the facility to ensure its sustainability and effective operation.

Representing the parliamentary caucus of the Ahafo Region, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, expressed appreciation to the government for its continued investment in development projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents in the region.

The ceremony was attended by several traditional authorities from across the Ahafo Region, including the Goaso Manhemaa, Nana Afia Serwaa, alongside chiefs and representatives from Hwidiem, Mehame, Ayomso, Dadiesoaba, Techire, Yamfo, Acherensua, Akodie, and Kenyasi, underscoring broad community support for the initiative.