The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has cancelled 701 diplomatic and service passports after recipients failed to return them following multiple recall notices.
The move comes after two public notices, issued on 15 January and 10 March 2025, warned former government officials, spouses, and other beneficiaries to surrender the special travel documents. The Ministry says the cancellation is part of efforts to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s official travel documentation system.
Of the revoked documents, 341 were diplomatic passports and 360 were service passports. Authorities say these unreturned passports have now been placed on a stop list and are no longer valid for travel. Any attempt to use them will lead to confiscation at airports or borders.
Those affected by the cancellation include former ministers, Members of Parliament, retired justices, ex-diplomats, former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), board members of public institutions, and individuals associated with national projects such as the National Cathedral. Some religious leaders and private businesspersons are also affected.
According to the Ministry, only individuals currently serving in designated state roles are permitted to hold such passports under Ghana’s Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).
The Ministry says the move is aimed at curbing abuse and restoring public confidence in the use of diplomatic travel privileges.
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