Ghana’s government is set to establish a second Passport Application Centre (PAC) in the Ashanti Region by the first quarter of 2027, in a move aimed at reducing congestion, improving access to passport services and strengthening service delivery for residents. Editorial Standards
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the planned expansion following a working visit to the existing Passport Application Centre in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
During the visit, he assessed the impact of ongoing passport reforms, engaged staff and listened to applicants’ experiences with the application process.
The new facility will be located in Mampong, where a site has already been secured. According to the minister, preparations to equip the facility are expected to begin in the coming weeks, ahead of its planned establishment by the end of March 2027.
The decision forms part of the government’s broader efforts to make passport services more accessible and efficient across the country.
By expanding the number of application centres in the Ashanti Region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes to ease pressure on the existing Kumasi facility and provide residents with another location to access essential travel documentation services.
Ablakwa said the additional centre was justified by the Ashanti Region’s population and the growing demand for passport services.
He noted that Greater Accra currently has three Passport Application Centres, making a second facility in Ashanti a necessary step towards improving the distribution of services.
The minister explained that the new centre is expected to deliver several benefits, including reducing the workload on personnel at the Kumasi office, improving convenience for applicants and creating employment opportunities in the region.
For many residents, obtaining a passport can involve transportation costs, time away from work and other expenses associated with travelling to complete application procedures.
Establishing another centre in Mampong could reduce some of these difficulties, particularly for applicants living in and around the municipality and neighbouring communities.
The expansion is also expected to help distribute applicants more evenly between facilities, potentially improving the management of appointments and reducing pressure on staff and equipment.
However, the extent of these improvements will depend on the centre’s staffing levels, operational capacity and the demand it receives after opening.
The planned Mampong facility builds on the government’s wider strategy to decentralise passport services.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has been working to establish application centres across all 16 regions, reducing the need for citizens to travel to Accra or other major cities to access services.
Ablakwa also highlighted other measures introduced under the passport reform programme, including a 30 per cent reduction in application fees, free and expedited delivery arrangements and an electronic tracking system intended to help applicants monitor the progress of their applications. Editorial Ethics & Independence
These changes are designed to improve transparency and convenience while making the passport application process more accessible.
An effective tracking system can reduce uncertainty for applicants, while delivery services can limit the need for repeated visits to application centres.
In addition to expanding facilities, the ministry is providing vehicles and new equipment and undertaking refurbishment works at existing centres.
These measures are intended to address logistical challenges and improve the working environment for personnel responsible for processing applications.
During his visit to Kumasi, Ablakwa acknowledged the contribution of passport office staff and commended their professionalism and commitment to public service.
He also listened to applicants who shared their experiences and suggestions for improving service delivery.
The feedback is important because successful reforms must address the practical difficulties people encounter when applying for passports.
Even with additional facilities, delays can persist if equipment is inadequate, staff numbers are insufficient or administrative procedures remain inefficient.
The government will therefore need to ensure that the Mampong centre is adequately equipped and staffed before it begins operations.
Clear information about opening arrangements, application procedures and available services will also be essential to help residents plan their visits.
The expansion could have wider economic benefits for Mampong through the creation of jobs and increased demand for local services.
Improved access to passport facilities may also support residents who need travel documents for education, employment, business and international travel. Corrections Policy
Nevertheless, the new centre’s impact will ultimately depend on whether it delivers faster, more reliable and more convenient services.
Establishing the facility is an important first step, but effective administration and continued investment will be necessary to maintain service quality.
With a facility already secured and preparations expected to begin shortly, attention will now turn to equipping the Mampong centre and meeting the first-quarter 2027 target.
If implemented as planned, the project will strengthen passport service provision in the Ashanti Region and form part of the government’s continuing effort to bring essential public services closer to citizens.