Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has launched the nation’s first integrated biometric e-passports, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital innovation and aligning with global travel standards.
The launch event, held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, was described by President Akufo-Addo as a transformative milestone.
The new e-passport, equipped with an embedded chip, is designed to bolster document security, protect Ghanaian identity, and meet the stringent standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“This is more than just a technological advancement or a government initiative,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
“It is a declaration of who we are and the journey we are undertaking as a people.
The e-passport is not just a travel document; it symbolizes Ghana’s progress, resilience, and readiness to embrace the future with confidence.”
The advanced biometric features embedded within the chip make the passports highly secure and resistant to tampering or forgery.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized, “This innovation is a crucial step in combating identity theft and eliminating fraudulent access to Ghanaian travel documents.
It also ensures our travelers are recognized and respected at international airports equipped with modern biometric systems.”
The new design incorporates cultural elements, such as Adinkra symbols like Fawohodie (Freedom and Independence) and Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu (Democracy and Cooperation), reflecting Ghana’s rich heritage.
“These symbols remind us of the values that define us as Ghanaians: freedom, resilience, and unity,” the president said.
Accompanying the passport rollout are systemic upgrades, including modern security document printers, an enhanced online application platform, and streamlined processes at passport offices and Ghanaian missions abroad.
President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that these measures will address long-standing inefficiencies and vulnerabilities, particularly targeting the elimination of middlemen, or “goro boys,” ensuring a transparent and trustworthy passport system for all Ghanaians.
