National Cathedral Officials, Others to Return Diplomatic Passports by January 24
Accra, Ghana - 15 Jan, 2025 - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the recall of all diplomatic and service passports issued under the previous administration, citing the need to enhance the integrity of the country's official travel documents and diplomatic engagements.
In a statement issued on Wednesday 15 Jan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration released a list of officials affected by the recall, including:
- Former Ministers and spouses
- Former Members of Parliament irrespective of political affiliation
- Former Members of the Council of State and spouses
- Former/ Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts
- Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, Chairs and Members of Boards
- Officials of the National Cathedral Project
- Former Political Ambassadors and dependants; • Businessmen and Entrepreneurs; • Religious and Traditional Leaders
- Former Government Functionaries, and
- All other persons holding official passports not currently serving in any official capacity for the State, or otherwise, holding any position that falls under the requirements of sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 NLCD 155.
The recalled passports must be returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by January 24, 2025. The exercise aims to review all Diplomatic and Service Passports to ensure they meet current eligibility criteria and prevent misuse.
“The above-mentioned officials are to return their passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not later than Friday, 24th January, 2025. The recall exercise is to ensure a review of all Diplomatic and Service Passports in line with the current eligibility criteria for issuance.”
“It is further aimed at preventing misuse and safeguarding the integrity of the Diplomatic and Service passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs counts on the cooperation of all holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports to undertake this important exercise as directed”, portions of the statement read.
Find the letter below.
Source: Lead News Online
