Know all the categories of people whose Diplomatic, Service passports have been recalled by President Mahama

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Following the directive of President John Dramani Mahama to recall all Diplomatic and Service passports by January 24, 2025, for re-issuance to those rightfully eligible, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined the categories of officials whose Diplomatic and Service passports are to be recalled.

These include:

1.Former Ministers and their spouses

2.Former Members of Parliament, irrespective of political affiliation

3.Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses

4.Former/Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts

5.Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, Chairs and Members of Boards

6.Officials of the National Cathedral Project

7.Former Political Ambassadors and their dependents

8.Businessmen and Entrepreneurs

9.Religious and Traditional Leaders

10.Former Government Functionaries

11. All other persons holding official passports not currently serving in any official capacity for the State or otherwise holding any position that falls under the requirements of sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 NLCD 155

The recall directive was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, and copied to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated January 14, 2025.

The government explained that this exercise aligns with its commitment to ensuring the proper use and administration of official travel documents according to national and international standards.

The recall aims to prevent misuse, safeguard the country’s reputation, and maintain the integrity of Ghana's diplomatic engagements.

The presidency has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a public notice notifying all holders of Diplomatic and Service passports issued by the previous administration to return these documents to the ministry for verification and re-issuance, where applicable.

The ministry is expected to set a compliance deadline, specifying a reasonable timeline for all concerned individuals to comply with the recall by January 24, 2025, at the latest.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to conduct a verification process involving a thorough review of all returned passports to ensure they align with the current eligibility criteria for issuance.