The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has taken action against an alleged passport-for-sale syndicate operating within the passport administration system since 2023. Preliminary investigations led to the cancellation of 10 Service Passports issued to individuals who did not qualify for the travel documents. The Ministry stated that the passports were secured through an alleged arrangement involving payments to individuals within the system.
The Ministry announced the interdiction of two officials, including the Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, and a junior Foreign Service Officer, Alhassan Sumani. They were referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and possible prosecution. According to the Ministry, petitions received in October 2026 alleged irregularities in the issuance of Service Passports to individuals who did not meet the eligibility requirements.
One petitioner claimed to have paid US$29,000 in 2023, while another alleged that US$5,000 was paid to persons involved in the arrangement in 2026. Following the first petition, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa directed the formation of an investigative committee to examine the allegations on October 13, 2026. The probe was initiated after claims emerged that an organised network had been facilitating the unlawful acquisition of Service Passports in exchange for substantial sums of money.
Preliminary findings established that 10 individuals who were not eligible for the documents obtained them through the alleged scheme. The individuals named by the Ministry are Richard Sakyi Apenteng, Augustina Agyei Boateng, Juliet Amankwa, Rebecca Agyeiwaa, Prince Ahensah, Maybel Ahensah, Twumasi Francis Kwame, Gyabaah Anthony, Frederick Ennin and Bosompem Richard.
The Ministry disclosed that the passports were issued between January 2023 and August 2026. The action by the Ministry follows the government's efforts to tackle corruption and ensure that public services are not abused for personal gain.
The interdiction of the two officials and the cancellation of the 10 Service Passports demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to upholding the integrity of the passport issuance process. Further investigations by the Ghana Police Service are expected to uncover more details about the alleged syndicate and bring those responsible to justice.
The case highlights the need for enhanced scrutiny and monitoring of public services to prevent similar abuses in the future. The Ministry's swift action in response to the petitions demonstrates its dedication to transparency and accountability in the administration of Service Passports.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana cancelled 10 Service Passports issued illegally amid allegations of a passport-for-sale syndicate.
- Two officials, including the Acting Director of Passports, were interdicted and referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations.
- The passports were issued between January 2023 and August 2026 to individuals who did not meet the eligibility requirements.
