The government has revealed plans to roll out a second Passport Application Centre in the Ashanti Region by the first quarter of next year to ease congestion at the sole existing facility in Kumasi.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Kumasi Passport Office, where he observed firsthand the immense pressure bearing down on personnel.
He noted that the current disparity in regional infrastructure is unjustified, pointing out that while Greater Accra boasts three centres, the Ashanti Region—despite comparable population figures—makes do with just one.
“We have decided and I have instructed that we should initiate steps towards opening a second passport application centre in the Ashanti Region so that we can reduce the pressure, the burden here,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
According to the minister, a suitable facility has already been acquired and evaluated, leaving equipment procurement as the final hurdle before operationalisation.
“I am targeting first quarter of next year. We already have the building and we’ve done the inspection, it is very good. We just have to procure equipment, so we are almost there,” he added.
Situated primarily to cater to residents within the Mampong enclave and outlying mountainous districts, the upcoming hub is expected to significantly shorten queues and streamline service delivery during peak operational periods.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
