The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has officially revoked all diplomatic and service passports held by individuals no longer serving in active government roles.

The sweeping directive, which takes effect immediately, follows earlier recall notices issued on January 15 and March 10, 2025.

The cancellation affects a wide range of former public officials and non-state actors, including:

Former ministers, Members of Parliament, and Council of State members — including their spouses

Retired justices of both superior and lower courts

Former regional ministers and metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives (MMDCEs)

Former board chairpersons and officers of state institutions

Individuals associated with the National Cathedral project

Non-career ambassadors and their dependents

Religious and traditional leaders

Private businesspersons and entrepreneurs

Any individual holding a diplomatic or service passport without a current state-sanctioned role

The ministry disclosed that 407 diplomatic and 403 service passports were voluntarily returned before the deadline.

However, 341 diplomatic and s remain unaccounted for.

These unreturned passports have now been rendered invalid and placed on an official stop list.

Immigration authorities have been instructed to confiscate any cancelled passports presented at entry or exit points.

The revocation is grounded in Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155), which limits the issuance and use of diplomatic and service passports to individuals actively engaged in official state business.

According to the ministry, the action is part of a broader initiative to tighten control over the use of state-issued travel documents and prevent abuse of privileges associated with such passports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all affected individuals to immediately surrender any diplomatic or service passports still in their possession. Any attempt to use a revoked passport, officials warn, will result in immediate interception and confiscation.

This latest move underscores Ghana’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of official travel credentials.

Authorities say the crackdown is aimed at preserving the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic relations and ensuring that only current, legitimate officeholders benefit from travel privileges accorded by the state.360 service passport