Legal process must remain mandatory for all passport applicants – Patrick Boamah

Patrick Yaw Boamah, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has clarified that Ghanaian passport laws apply equally to everyone, including high-profile international visitors such as American internet personality IShowSpeed.

Speaking in an interview with Citi News, Boamah addressed public misconceptions that suggested the streamer could automatically receive a Ghanaian passport. “You cannot just announce that a passport will be given and assume the process is complete. There are legal steps that must be followed,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adherence to statutory procedures.

Boamah explained that Ghana’s passport issuance system is governed by national security considerations, identity verification, background checks, and compliance with citizenship laws, safeguards designed to protect both the integrity of the Ghanaian passport and the country’s international reputation.

While some administrative conveniences, such as expedited processing or adjusted fees, may be applied in specific cases, the MP stressed that these do not override mandatory legal requirements. “Every applicant, whether Ghanaian or foreign, must go through the required vetting process,” Boamah added.

The MP also addressed concerns over fairness, noting that symbolic statements of goodwill or public excitement should not create the impression that celebrities receive special treatment. “It is important that we do not create the impression that the law works differently for celebrities and ordinary citizens. That perception can undermine trust in public institutions,” he said.

Boamah further urged the public to distinguish between political statements or symbolic gestures and the actual legal process. “Sometimes statements are made in excitement or goodwill, but the legal reality is always more structured. People should understand that there is a clear difference between intention and execution,” he explained.

His comments come amid debates following IShowSpeed’s recent visit to Ghana, which included cultural engagements and fan interactions. While many welcomed the potential gesture as a symbol of hospitality, others raised concerns about consistency and transparency in state processes.

Boamah concluded by reiterating that the Ministry of the Interior remains the sole authority for passport issuance and that all applications must comply with the existing legal and administrative frameworks, ensuring fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.