Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has annulled 701 official travel documents—including Diplomatic and Service passports—in a nationwide crackdown aimed at restoring accountability in the issuance and use of government-authorised passports.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry confirmed that 341 Diplomatic and 360 Service passports have been officially voided and placed on a stop-list. The affected passports, no longer valid for international travel, were not returned despite repeated public notices earlier this year.
The cancellation follows formal directives issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025, which called on former officeholders and other beneficiaries to return the travel documents issued to them during their time in public service.
Those impacted by the recall include former ministers and their spouses, ex-members of parliament, retired justices from both the Superior and Lower Courts, former regional ministers and district executives, and past Council of State members and their spouses. Also listed are former non-career ambassadors and their dependents, individuals linked to the National Cathedral Project, as well as religious leaders, traditional authorities, entrepreneurs, and other functionaries no longer serving in government roles.
Border control officers have been instructed to seize any of the cancelled passports found in circulation. The ministry warned that enforcement at all points of entry and exit will be uncompromising.
The passport recall is being carried out in line with the Passports and Travel Certificates Act of 1967 (NLCD 155), specifically Sections 6 and 7, which govern the issuance and withdrawal of official travel documents in Ghana.
Officials maintain the move is not punitive but necessary to uphold the integrity of the country’s passport system, prevent potential misuse, and reinforce legal compliance among former public figures.
The ministry clarified that the measure does not affect current public servants holding valid Diplomatic or Service passports.