The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has taken a significant step in addressing allegations of an illegal Service Passport issuance scheme by referring two of its officers to the Ghana Police Service. The officers, Acting Director of Passports Mahama Yahaya Amantana and junior Foreign Service Officer Alhassan Sumani, have been interdicted pending investigations. This move follows preliminary findings into allegations that individuals who did not qualify for Service Passports obtained them through illegal payments to a syndicate.
According to the Ministry, Alhassan Sumani, who was recruited into the Foreign Service on November 29, 2024, is alleged to be the chief architect of the scheme. He is also accused of operating as a “goro boy” in 2023 before joining the Foreign Service. The investigation was triggered by two petitions received on October 8, 2026, prompting Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to direct the formation of a committee on October 13 to examine the allegations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that it is committed to ensuring all persons implicated in the alleged scheme are held accountable. The investigation will be guided by transparency, impartiality, and fairness. Retired Ambassador Mohammed Habib Idris, who was Director of Passports during the period in 2023 when some of the irregularities occurred, will also be investigated by the security services and sanctioned if found culpable.
The referred officers' actions have raised concerns about the integrity of the Service Passport issuance process. Service Passports are typically issued to Ghanaian citizens who are traveling on official business or for other specific purposes. The alleged scheme has potentially compromised the security and authenticity of these documents. The Ministry's swift action demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the country's diplomatic documents.
In a related development, 10 illegally issued Service Passports have been cancelled, and the Ministry is pursuing the beneficiaries. This move is part of a broader effort to clean up the passport issuance process and prevent similar schemes from occurring in the future. The Ministry has also taken steps to improve its passport services, including procuring 20 pickups to enhance operations.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry's decision to refer the officers to the police has been welcomed by many as a step towards accountability and transparency. The Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has emphasized the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that all implicated individuals are brought to justice. The outcome of the investigations and potential prosecutions will be closely watched by the public and stakeholders.
The incident highlights the need for robust internal controls and monitoring mechanisms within the Ministry to prevent such schemes from occurring. The Ministry's efforts to address the issue and ensure accountability will help restore public trust in the passport issuance process. The case also underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in the management of diplomatic documents.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has referred two officers to the police for alleged involvement in an illegal Service Passport issuance scheme.
- The officers are accused of issuing Service Passports to individuals who did not qualify for them through illegal payments to a syndicate.
- The Ministry has assured that it will ensure all persons implicated in the alleged scheme are held accountable.
