In May 2025, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs took the decision to cancel a total of 701 diplomatic and service passports. This move was a result of the passport holders' failure to return their documents as directed by the ministry. The recall directive was initially issued in January 2025, targeting former officials and individuals who had been issued with diplomatic and service passports during the previous administration under the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had given a firm reminder to the passport holders with a deadline of March 17, 2025, to return their passports. However, by the expiration of the deadline, 701 holders had not complied with the directive, leading to the cancellation of their passports effective May 6, 2025. The cancelled passports comprised 341 diplomatic and 360 service passports. The ministry published the serial numbers of the cancelled passports, informing the public of the immediate effect of the cancellation.
Prior to the cancellation, 407 holders of Diplomatic Passports and 403 holders of Service Passports had duly returned their passports in line with the recall directive as of May 6, 2025. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, took the step to cancel the passports to enforce compliance with the recall directive. The move was aimed at ensuring that only eligible individuals held diplomatic and service passports.
Recently, allegations of an irregular service passport issuance scheme operating illegally led to the ministry's investigation. A committee was set up on October 13, 2026, following a petition received five days earlier. The committee's findings revealed that 10 passports were linked to the new allegation. Among these passports were four that had been issued in 2023 but cancelled on May 6, 2025, due to the 'goro boy' deals.
The four passports issued in 2023 and later cancelled were linked to individuals who had obtained them through the 'goro boy' deals. The details of the 10 passports linked to the new allegation included names and serial numbers. They were issued to individuals such as Richard Sakyi Apenteng, Augustina Agyei Boateng, Juliet Amankwa, and Rebecca Agyeiwaa. The ministry's statement provided the necessary details to the public.
In addition to the four passports issued in 2023, six other passports issued in 2026 were also linked to the 'goro boy' deals. These passports were issued to individuals such as Prince Ahensah, Maybel Ahensah, Twumasi Francis Kwame, Gyabaah Anthony, Frederick Ennin, and Bosompem Richard. The ministry's investigation revealed that these passports were obtained through irregular means.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to cancel the 701 passports and investigate the 'goro boy' deals demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity of diplomatic and service passport issuance. The ministry's actions aim to prevent the misuse of these travel documents and ensure that only eligible individuals hold them. The public disclosure of the cancelled passports and those linked to the 'goro boy' deals serves as a deterrent to others who may attempt to obtain passports through irregular means.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cancelled 701 diplomatic and service passports in May 2025 due to non-compliance with a recall directive.
- Four passports issued in 2023 and cancelled in 2025 were linked to 'goro boy' deals.
- The ministry's investigation revealed 10 passports linked to the new allegation, including six issued in 2026.
