Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong has dismissed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s proposal to introduce a 24-hour passport processing system as unnecessary and misleading.

According to Parliament for Mampong MP, the initiative is not new, as a similar project aimed at modernising Ghana’s passport services has been ongoing for two years with funding from the World Bank under a Public Sector Reform Program.

“The reality is that a project aimed at modernising passport services has been in operation for the past two years,” Ampratwum-Sarpong stated.

“This initiative, funded by the World Bank, has already identified the passport office as a key area for improvement, and significant progress has been made.”

He explained that efforts have already been made to digitise the passport application process, clear backlogs, and address the issue of nearly 40,000 unclaimed passports.

Read also: We want passport office to operate a 24-hour service – Ablakwa

“The passport office has employed multiple strategies, including call centres, courier services, postal delivery, and direct visitations, to ensure applicants receive their documents,” he noted.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, such as incorrect contact details, outdated addresses, and fraudulent information during the application process, Ampratwum-Sarpong insisted that Ablakwa’s proposal was not offering anything groundbreaking.

“The wheel has already been invented and is in motion,” he stressed.

“Rather than presenting this as an innovative solution, it would be more beneficial to support the ongoing efforts and address existing challenges with improved coordination and funding.”

Touching on the Consular Fund, which is designed to assist Ghanaians in the diaspora during emergencies, the former deputy minister again pointed out that Mr Ablakwa was merely repackaging an existing initiative.

Read also: Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong: Ablakwa’s 24-Hour passport processing proposal is a red herring

“The fund has already been set up, and operational modalities are in place,” he revealed.

“The only remaining hurdle is the release of the $2 million seed money from the Ministry of Finance into the external operations account of the Consular Fund.”

He urged the current government to focus on practical solutions rather than what he described as political grandstanding.

“The real issue at hand is ensuring that the Minister, Ablakwa, successfully convinces his counterpart at the Finance Ministry to release these funds,” he asserted.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong further revealed that had the NPP won the 2024 elections, they had already planned to allocate the $2 million in the next budget cycle.

“This was a manifesto pledge,” he stated.

He concluded by stating that the focus should not be on making grand announcements but rather on ensuring that ongoing projects are executed efficiently for the benefit of Ghanaians.

“Instead of making political fanfare, the priority should be delivering tangible results,” he said.