The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said over 31,935 chip-embedded passports have been printed since the launch of the 24-hour passport production system four weeks ago.

Mr Ablakwa said this on Saturday [May 24, 2025], following a midnight visit to the passport head office earlier in the week.

The visit was intended to assess the ongoing, around-the-clock passport printing operations introduced to deal with a backlog of applications.

“Earlier this week, I paid a surprise visit to the passport head office at midnight to check on our new 24-hour chip-embedded passport printing operations,” Mr Ablakwa said in a post on Facebook.

The nearly 32,000 passports produced so far represent output from the start of the new system on April 28, 2025. The introduction of the chip-embedded passports marks a new phase in Ghana’s efforts to improve the security and global acceptance of its travel documents.

During the visit, Mr Ablakwa acknowledged the efforts of staff working the night shift, describing them as hardworking and patriotic. He said their dedication was evident in the pace of the work being done under the new 24-hour schedule.

“I commend my hardworking and patriotic staff for their impressive work ethic,” the minister noted, reflecting on the transition from previous operating hours to the current continuous system.

For many years, passport applicants in Ghana have experienced long delays, with some waiting months to receive their documents. The new printing system is expected to ease this pressure and improve service delivery.

The chip-embedded passports come with added security features and are in line with international standards for biometric travel documents. They are designed to improve the integrity of Ghana’s passport and make it more widely acceptable for international travel.

Mr Ablakwa’s decision to visit the head office unannounced is seen as part of efforts to monitor progress first-hand and demonstrate a hands-on approach to leadership.

“The RESET is on , we shall not disappoint the good people of Ghana,” he declared.

He ended his announcement with the words “For God and Country,” alongside an image of the national flag, underscoring the national importance of the reforms.