The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured Ghanaians who began their passport applications before the introduction of the new chip-embedded passport system that they will not be required to pay again to complete the process.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that 7,900 applicants who paid under the old biometric system but did not complete their applications have been covered under the new arrangement. He emphasized that no Ghanaian will be disadvantaged by the transition.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Minister said, “An assurance to the 7,900 Ghanaians who paid for passports under the old arrangement before we switched to chip-embedded passports, we have them covered. You don’t have to pay twice. No Ghanaian will be disadvantaged.”

He also noted that about 22,100 applicants who began the process but did not make payments will be given 90 days to complete their applications through the new portal at passport.mfa.gov.gh, following the instructions provided.

A press release issued by the Ministry on April 30, 2025, confirmed that the transition from biometric to chip-embedded passports took effect on April 28, and efforts are underway to ensure a smooth switchover. It revealed that around 30,000 applications remain in the old system.

The Ministry outlined the following steps for applicants:

Individuals who started applications under the old system have 90 days to complete the process.

Applicants with appointments already scheduled should visit the Passport Application Centres on their appointed dates.

Those who missed their appointments on April 28 and 29 are advised to visit the respective centres for further processing.

For additional information or clarification, the public is encouraged to contact the Ministry’s 24-hour hotline on 0302-754-200.