Ghana’s Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Director of Passports due to a high-profile case involving multiple Ghanaian passports with different identities. The suspect, believed to be part of organized crime, was arrested with several authentic passports, raising concerns about systemic loopholes and potential complicity within the Passport Office.
Justice Afua Asare-Botwe expressed grave concern over the Director’s failure to appear in court, stating that it undermines the justice system and poses a threat to national interest. The court’s directive allows law enforcement to arrest and bring the Director before the court for questioning.
This development has sparked serious questions about passport security and potential corruption within the Passport Office. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, under which the Passport Office operates, has not issued an official response, but internal sources indicate an emergency review of passport issuance procedures is underway.
In similar cases, Ghanaian courts have shown willingness to take decisive action against individuals who fail to comply with court orders. For instance, a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of the Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police and the DG of the Legal and Prosecution Unit of the Ghana Police Service after they failed to appear in court for contempt proceedings related to a case involving Sureword Global Outreach. The court had ordered the release of a vehicle registered as GN2925-20 to Sureword Global Outreach, but the respondents allegedly refused to comply.
The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in government institutions. Civil society organizations and anti-corruption bodies have applauded the court’s action, calling it a step toward restoring public confidence in Ghana’s immigration systems. Many are demanding transparency, accountability, and reforms to safeguard Ghana’s international credibility. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for Ghana’s passport system and its vulnerability to exploitation.
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