The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has commissioned a Passport Application Centre in the Upper West Region.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Muhammad Habibu Tijani, commissioned the office in Wa on behalf of the sector Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mr. Habibu Tijani said the opening of the Centre forms part of Government’s efforts to expand the scope of passport operations in the country.
According to him, technology is a driver and enabler for change hence the need for the Government and the Ministry to undertake this initiative.
“Technology is a driver and an enabler for change and in recognition of this fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is leveraging on the limits of technology to enhance the efficiency of passport operations for improved service delivery. As a matter of fact, the ministry has adopted and operationalized government’s digitization policy by automating the process of acquiring passports through the online passport application system.”
Touching on the benefits, Mr. Habibu Tijani said that while residents in the region will have the privilege of conveniently applying for passports without travelling to other regions.
He remarked, “it is also envisaged that the establishment of this Passport Application Centre in Wa would create business opportunities in the supply chain where indigenes, residents and well-meaning Ghanaians can take advantage and set up their own small businesses.”
Meanwhile, the commissioning of the Upper West Regional Passport Application Centre (PAC) brings the current number of PACs to thirteen (13) across the country.
The Deputy Minister gave the assurance that the ministry would continue to work closely with other relevant ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), such as Births and Deaths Registry, the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, Ghana Immigration Service and other security services.
