Ablakwa announces second Ashanti Passport Application Centre for Mampong
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to establish a second Passport Application Centre (PAC) in the Ashanti Region by the first quarter of 2027.
The new centre will be located in Mampong, where a facility has already been secured. Preparations to equip the facility are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Mr Ablakwa made the announcement during a working visit to the Passport Application Centre in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
He said the visit enabled him to assess firsthand the impact of the ministry’s policy reforms on passport applicants and staff.
According to the minister, the decision to establish another centre in the Ashanti Region is justified by the region’s population and the need to improve access to passport services.
He noted that the Greater Accra Region currently has three Passport Application Centres, adding that an additional facility in Ashanti would help reduce pressure on staff, improve convenience for applicants and create employment opportunities.
The minister also announced plans to provide vehicles and new equipment, as well as refurbish existing Passport Application Centres across the country.
During the visit, Mr Ablakwa interacted with applicants to hear their experiences and suggestions on how passport services could be improved.
He also commended ministry staff for their patriotism, integrity and professionalism, saying their efforts had been recognised in recent surveys and praised by Ghanaians.
Mr Ablakwa further highlighted the government’s passport reforms, including a 30 per cent reduction in application fees, the introduction of free and expedited delivery, a new electronic tracking system and the establishment of Passport Application Centres in all 16 regions of Ghana.
He said the reforms were aimed at making passport acquisition more accessible, convenient and efficient for the public.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
