We want to make Ghana passport most valuable in Africa – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the government is determined to make the Ghanaian passport the most valued in Africa.

Mr. Ablakwa made the pledge during a media interview on Thursday, outlining ongoing efforts to expand visa-free travel opportunities and enhance passport security.

“We want the Ghanaian passport to be the most valued passport in Africa and one of the most valued anywhere in the world. And we are on course. We are very much on course,” he stated.

According to him, securing additional visa waiver agreements remains central to achieving that ambition.

“Visa waiver agreements remain my priority as Foreign Minister. I expect more visa waiver agreements this year,” he said, adding that Ghanaians should expect positive announcements in the coming months.

He expressed optimism about the progress made so far.

“I’m excited about the progress we are making,” he noted, commending the diplomatic team supporting the negotiations. “I want to congratulate the team of diplomats I work with who are helping me in the negotiations and who in the advance team do a lot of heavy lifting as we negotiate with all of these countries.”

Beyond visa waivers, the Minister emphasized that the passport itself has undergone major technological upgrades to boost its global standing.

“Remember that the passport itself, many people do not know that it is now probably the most secure in terms of the security features we have. It’s now fully chip-embedded, no longer biometric,” he explained.

He added that Ghana’s passport security features rank among the best internationally.

“We are ahead of so many countries. We will be in the top 10 if you talk to the experts who have analyzed our passport,” he said.

Mr. Ablakwa also assured that enhanced security systems have been deployed to prevent fraud and unauthorized acquisition.

“Be assured that we have improved the security. We have invested in AI tools and modern technology to make us ahead of what the bad guys will be trying to do,” he stressed.

The Minister further highlighted reforms aimed at accessibility, including courier delivery services across all 16 regions and a 30 percent reduction in passport fees.

“Passports should not be a luxury. It shouldn’t be for only big-time travelers, all Ghanaians,” he said. “It’s our national pride. It’s our national identity. And everybody should be able to afford a Ghanaian passport.”

He described the ongoing reforms as part of a broader philosophy to combine value with security.