701 Diplomatic and Service Passports Cancelled – Here’s Why

In a firm move to tighten control over official travel documents, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cancelled 701 diplomatic and service passports after their holders failed to return them, despite clear instructions earlier this year.

The cancellation—which took effect on May 6, 2025—includes 341 diplomatic passports and 360 service passports.

Back in January 2025, the Ministry issued a recall notice, asking a wide range of former officials to return any diplomatic or service passports issued to them during the previous administration. This applied to individuals who are no longer serving in any official capacity.

Those affected included:

• Former Ministers and their spouses

• Ex-Members of Parliament

• Former Justices

• Retired regional and local government heads

• Ex-officials from state agencies and national projects (like the National Cathedral)

• Former ambassadors and their dependents

• Business leaders, religious and traditional leaders, and other government appointees

While many complied with the directive—407 diplomatic and 403 service passport holders returned theirs—a significant number did not. As a result, the Ministry has now made it official: 701 passports have been voided and added to a Stop-List. This means anyone attempting to travel with any of these passports risks confiscation at the borders.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, gave the final order for the cancellations, reinforcing the government’s position on accountability and proper use of state-issued documents.

A full list of the serial numbers of the cancelled passports has been published by the Ministry to inform the public and relevant authorities.

Stay tuned for updates on how this decision may affect diplomatic protocols and travel policies in the future.