Ghana Launches Chip-Embedded Passport with Advanced Biometric Features

Ghana has officially launched a new chip-embedded passport designed to enhance travel security and efficiency. The e-passport, an upgrade from the current biometric passport, features a microprocessor that securely stores the holder’s biometric and photo information, along with anti-fraud measures to safeguard against tampering and forgery.

At the launch event in Accra, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo described the new passport as a symbol of Ghana’s progress and commitment to technological innovation. He highlighted its role not just as a travel document but as a celebration of the nation’s identity, resilience, and readiness for the future.

The e-passport’s design incorporates Ghanaian cultural symbols, such as the Adinkra motifs “Fawohodie” (Freedom and Independence) and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” (Democracy and Cooperation), reflecting the country’s heritage. Beyond aesthetics, it meets the stringent standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and includes advanced biometric features embedded in a secure microchip.

President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the passport represents a leap forward in Ghana’s technological evolution. “This innovation is a crucial step in curbing identity theft and eliminating fraudulent access to Ghana’s travel documents,” he said.

In addition to the new document, the government is introducing system-wide upgrades to streamline passport services. These include modern security document printers, an enhanced online application platform, and improved processes at passport offices nationwide and Ghanaian missions abroad. The upgrades aim to eliminate inefficiencies and curb activities of intermediaries, commonly known as “Goro boys.”

“Our goal is to establish a passport system that is transparent, efficient, and worthy of the trust of every Ghanaian,” the President stated.

Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey revealed that the project began in 2016 under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited (BTS), a private Ghanaian firm. She praised the new passport as a testament to the government’s dedication to security and adherence to international standards.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa, Director of BTS, expressed pride in collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop the system. Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana, Tamas Feher, who also attended the event, commended the achievement as an example of successful collaboration between nations and private partners.

The new e-passport reflects Ghana’s determination to keep pace with global trends. From handwritten documents in the 1960s to today’s state-of-the-art chip-embedded passports, the evolution underscores the country’s commitment to excellence in international travel.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ramses J. Cleland, described the passport as a gateway to new opportunities, fostering connections across borders and advancing economic growth.