The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, led by Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been criticized for delays in passport processing.
Despite the minister’s announcement that ordinary passport applications would be processed within 15 days and expedited requests within 5 days, many applicants are experiencing significant delays.
Political commentator P.K. Sarpong has highlighted the impact of these delays on Muslims traveling for the Hajj pilgrimage. According to Sarpong, over 50,000 pilgrims may miss their opportunity to travel to Mecca due to passport processing issues. He attributed the delays to the rushed implementation of chip-embedded passports, coinciding with the Hajj season.
Reports indicate that thousands of passports, including those for Hajj pilgrims, are stuck at the passport office. Some applicants have reportedly been waiting for their passports for over three weeks. The situation has led to frustration among applicants, with some NDC supporters allegedly causing a disturbance at the passport office, even going as far as harassing workers, which led to its temporary closure.
The delays have raised concerns about the efficiency of the passport processing system and the Ministry’s ability to manage the increased demand during the Hajj season. Sarpong’s comments underscore the need for the Ministry to address the challenges and ensure timely delivery of passports to applicants. The Ministry’s response to this crisis will be crucial in determining the success of its passport processing reforms.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Ministry will resolve the backlog and prevent similar issues in the future. The pilgrims and other applicants are eagerly awaiting their passports, and any further delays could lead to more severe consequences. The Ministry must take immediate action to rectify the situation and restore public confidence in its services.
