Residents of Sefwi Wiawso and surrounding communities can now access passport services without travelling to other regions, following the opening of a new Passport Application Centre in the Western North Regional capital.

The facility was inaugurated on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, as part of the government’s broader effort to decentralise passport administration and improve public service delivery.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister said the new centre would significantly reduce the cost, stress and delays associated with travelling long distances to apply for passports.

He outlined a series of reforms being implemented by the Ministry to enhance efficiency, transparency and security in passport issuance, and expressed appreciation to regional authorities for their cooperation in making the project a reality.

As a demonstration of the centre’s readiness, five applicants who had successfully completed their applications at the Sefwi Wiawso facility received their passports from the Deputy Minister during the ceremony.

The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, described the commissioning as a major milestone for the region, noting that it aligns with the government’s vision of bringing essential services closer to the people.

He thanked President John Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for prioritising the region and urged officers at the centre to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and transparency.

The event was attended by District Chief Executives, the Regional Deputy Director of NADMO, heads of security agencies, as well as religious and traditional leaders from across the region.