By Iddi Yire
Accra, Dec 3, GNA – Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, says Ghana’s transitioning from biometric passport to a chip-embedded one demonstrates the Government’s commitment to enhancing national security.
“Ghana is upgrading from the use of the biometric passport to our new, state-of-the-art chip-embedded passports. Today marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s commitment to expediting passport acquisition, our travel processes, and enhancing national security,” she said at the launch of the chip-embedded passport in Accra on Monday.
“…. This is not merely an upgrade in technology. Rather, it is a manifestation of our sincere dedication to efficiency, security, and adherence to international standards.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo formally launched the chip-embedded passport in Accra.
Pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph One of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act 1967 (NLCD 155), the Foreign Ministry started the project in 2016.
Through a build, operate, and transfer (BOT) arrangement, the Ministry partnered with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a private Ghanaian firm, to undertake the project, aimed at bringing Ghanaian passports into strict compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s regulations and the quickly evolving global interoperability standards for biometric identification.
Ms Botchwey said while the current biometric passport had served Ghanaians steadfastly for over a decade, the demands of a fast-paced technological evolution had necessitated the upgrade.
As the gateway to Africa, Ghana must remain at the forefront of growth and development by implementing novel technological developments in security documents, taking into account new international standards, threats, and growth prospects, she said.
The Government had been working assiduously to make its digitisation agenda, under the able leadership of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a reality through various initiatives.
She said the launch of the chip-embedded passport was a major milestone in that journey and boasted of several state-of-the-art features carefully designed to enhance its security and facilitate ease of travel for Ghanaian citizens.
‘‘This phenomenal travel document has a microprocessor that embeds the holder’s biometric and photo information, as well as other unique security features such as an anti-fraud measure, with both latent and patent indicators to ensure unimpeachable security.”
“By the introduction of the chip-embedded passport, Ghana is poised to be at the forefront of modern technology within the African sub-region, shortening the turn-around time for passport issuance, while making travel safer, and more secure for all citizens.”
She said the Ministry had once again streamlined its passport application process to enhance efficiency and effectiveness at the Passport Application Centres (PACs) and Ghana’s Missions abroad, while improving the overall application process through the design, development, and implementation of an integrated online passport application and delivery system, enhancement of operational procedures, the introduction of suitable technology, and provision of the necessary infrastructure for the PACs operations.
“By this, we intend to minimise the exploitation and extortion of citizens and render “Goro” a thing of the past,” she said.
Ms Botchwey expressed confidence that the new passport positioned Ghana against identity theft, document tampering, and unauthorised access, expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Mr Tamás Fehér, the Hungary Ambassador to Ghana, said the new passport’s introduction in Ghana marked an elevation of the remarkable partnership between the two countries.
Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa, a representative of Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, said the passport met all the standards sought by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the company was glad to be associated with its introduction.
GNA