Ghana’s newly sworn-in President, John Dramani Mahama, has directed the recall of diplomatic passports issued by previous administrations, including those granted to former ministers, lawmakers, their spouses, judges, ambassadors, traditional leaders, and businesspeople over the last decade.
The directive, aimed at enhancing the integrity of Ghana’s travel documents, requires all affected passports to be returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by January 24. The ministry stated that the recalled passports will undergo a review to ensure they meet eligibility criteria for reissuance, emphasizing the move is intended to prevent misuse of diplomatic and service passports.
Tackling an Economic Crisis
President Mahama, who secured 56% of the vote in the December 9 election, was inaugurated on Tuesday. He pledged to revitalize Ghana’s struggling economy, which faces its worst crisis in decades. Ghana, Africa’s leading gold exporter and the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, is grappling with significant economic challenges.
Mahama succeeds outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who completed two terms in office.