The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arrested 379 foreigners who attempted to acquire Ghanaian passports through illegal means, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed.
Speaking on the matter, the minister explained that the individuals believed they could beat the system by obtaining Ghana Cards and Ghanaian birth certificates, assuming these documents alone were sufficient to qualify them for Ghanaian passports.
However, he stressed that possession of a Ghana Card or birth certificate does not automatically confer Ghanaian citizenship or guarantee eligibility for a passport.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that all passport applicants, regardless of the documents they present, are subjected to thorough vetting processes to verify their citizenship status. He emphasized that Ghana’s passport system has been strengthened to detect and prevent fraud, describing the recent arrests as part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the country’s travel documents.
The Foreign Affairs Minister issued a stern warning, noting that any foreigner who attempts to unlawfully obtain a Ghanaian passport will be promptly apprehended and prosecuted. He added that the government remains committed to safeguarding national security and maintaining the international credibility of the Ghanaian passport.
