President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially launched Ghana’s chip-embedded passport, a landmark innovation aimed at enhancing the security, efficiency, and global acceptance of the nation’s travel documents.

The launch ceremony, held in Accra, saw Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General, presenting the first chip-embedded passport to the President.

The project began in 2016 under the provisions of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act 1967 (NLCD 155). Partnering with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a private Ghanaian firm, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs adopted a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model to bring the initiative to life.

The chip-embedded passport aligns Ghana with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and evolving global norms for biometric identification.

President Akufo-Addo expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting the symbolic and practical significance of the new e-passport.

“This is a day of pride and joy for our beloved country, Ghana,” the President said.

“The e-passport is not just a travel document; it is a symbol of our progress, resilience, and readiness to embrace the future with confidence.”

Tracing the history of Ghana’s passports, he noted their evolution from handwritten documents in the 1960s to biometric passports introduced in 2010, culminating in this latest leap forward.

“The chip-embedded passport represents the pinnacle of this journey, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance document security, safeguard national identity, and meet stringent international standards,” he added.

The new passports feature advanced biometric technology embedded in microchips, offering robust protection against tampering, forgery, and identity theft.

The innovation underscores Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ identities and ensuring secure travel.

President Akufo-Addo commended Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey for her leadership in driving the initiative, calling her efforts “exemplary and transformative.”

Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey described the transition from biometric to chip-embedded passports as a necessity driven by rapid technological advancements.

“The current biometric passport has served us for over a decade, but the demands of fast-paced technological evolution require this upgrade,” she said.

“Ghana must remain at the forefront of growth by adopting new technologies that align with international standards and address emerging threats.”

Hungary’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tamás Fehér, hailed the project as a testament to the strong partnership between Ghana and Hungary.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa, representing Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, affirmed the company’s commitment to producing passports that meet ICAO standards and support Ghana’s vision of excellence in travel documentation.