More than 380 diplomatic passports have been returned after a presidential recall order to improve accountability and appropriate diplomatic passport management.
All diplomatic and service passports issued by the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration had to be returned, according to the decision issued by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama.
Officially, this recall ended on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The majority of the recalled passports were turned in by Thursday, January 23, one day before the deadline, according to Ministry sources.
The program is a part of the current administration’s attempts to make sure that these specialized travel permits are only used to facilitate official state representation overseas.
Holders of diplomatic passports enjoy benefits like accelerated customs processing and exemptions from some taxes and fees in the host nation.
However, improper handling of these records could endanger both international relations and national security.
The recall came when it was revealed that several people who were no longer employed by the government still held diplomatic passports, which raised questions about possible abuse.
In order to stop future abuse of diplomatic passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated its intention to implement more stringent regulations.
