The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commissioned a Passport Application Centre in Damongo, fulfilling government’s pledge to establish passport offices in all 16 regional capitals.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, represents a major milestone in Ghana’s decentralisation agenda, aimed at expanding access to essential public services and reducing the burden on citizens who previously travelled long distances to apply for passports.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that when he assumed office, only nine regions had passport application centres. He said the Ministry deliberately pursued a nationwide expansion strategy to ensure that all regional capitals had fully operational centres before the end of 2025.
“In line with this vision, application centres were successfully opened in Bolgatanga, Dambai, Techiman, Damongo, Goaso, Nalerigu and Sefwi-Wiawso within the year,” he stated.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms within passport administration, emphasising government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s passport through enhanced verification systems to ensure that only eligible citizens are issued the travel document.
The Paramount Chief of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, commended government for bringing critical services closer to the people, describing the initiative as timely and transformational.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Isifu Salisu Bi-Awurobe, pledged the Regional Coordinating Council’s support to ensure the smooth operation of the Damongo centre.
Representing the Savannah Parliamentary Caucus, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, expressed optimism that the facility would significantly ease the challenges residents previously faced in accessing passport services outside the region.
The ceremony was attended by service commanders, traditional and religious leaders, and residents from across the Savannah Region.
Earlier in the day, the Foreign Affairs Minister paid a courtesy call on the Yagbonwura at the Jakpa Palace, where he briefed the Overlord on the ministry’s passport reforms and decentralisation drive.
