Foreign Affairs Ministry uncovers illegal sale of 10 Service Passports; two officers interdicted

The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has discovered an alleged illegal scheme involving the sale of Service Passports to unqualified individuals, leading to the arrest of two passport officials and the cancellation of ten passports. Preliminary investigations, initiated by petitions received in October and November 2026, revealed that the individuals procured the passports through alleged payments to a syndicate active within the passport administration system since 2023.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, directed the formation of an investigation committee on October 13, 2026, following the initial petitions. Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, and Alhassan Sumani, a junior Foreign Service Officer, were subsequently interdicted. Sumani, reportedly operating as a 'goro boy' in 2023, is believed to have been the scheme's mastermind before joining the Foreign Service in November 2024.

Both officers are being referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and potential prosecution. Ten individuals who acquired the passports irregularly between 2023 and 2026 have been identified, including those who used the passports for travel in 2023. All ten passports have been cancelled, and Ghana's international partners have been informed.

Investigations will also target the Director of Passports during the period of the alleged scheme, retired Ambassador Mohammed Habib Idris, should he be found culpable. The Ministry emphasizes that the ongoing investigation pertains to Service Passports, not Diplomatic Passports, and reiterates its commitment to enhancing passport administration and ensuring transparency, accountability, and security.