The Government is asking biometric passport applicants to be patient as it resolves initial problems with the acquisition of the travelling document. Applicants of the new biometric passports have expressed concern about the slow process and frustrations of applying for a new passport. Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed Mumuni admits the process has become a bit cumbersome because of the capturing of biometric data. He told Joy News applicants whose old passports have not expired can continue using them to avoid congestion at issuing centers. The biometric passport plan which has been on the drawing board for years took off this year. With the launch of the passport, Ghana joins eight of her colleague ECOWAS states to issue the document to its citizens. It’s expected that the new passport, which has high security features, will significantly reduce challenges such as theft and other fraudulent activities associated the old passport. Alhaji Mumuni said the problems with the issuance of the passport have come about as a result of a sudden rush of people to change their passports to biometric. The Foreign Affairs Minister urged Ghanaians to exercise restraint whilst the acquisition processes are streamlined. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana