The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MoFARI) has stated that its attention has been drawn to videos circulating on social media alleging that a number of foreign nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf States are holding Ghanaian passports.

The Ministry said it is investigating the said allegation and would take appropriate measures to deal with the situation if found to be true.

In a statement dated August 12, the MoFARI emphasised that, “with the current biometric passports being issued by the Passport Office, applicants undergo rigorous vetting processes which make it difficult for unqualified persons, notably foreigners, to acquire Ghanaian passports.”

The Ministry pointed out that “it is an offence under Ghanaian Laws for foreign nationals to acquire Ghanaian passports. Indeed, there have been a number of instances where the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and other law enforcement agencies, have apprehended some individuals for attempting to acquire Ghanaian passports. These cases have been successfully prosecuted and appropriate sanctions have been applied to the culprits.”

The MoFARI therefore assured the general public that it would continue to adopt relevant measures in the issuance of Ghanaian passports in order to uphold and protect the integrity of the travel document.

“Individuals with credible evidence on foreign nationals in possession of our passport are to approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for further action by the law enforcement agencies,” the Ministry urged.