{
  "id": 18991947,
  "title": "Minority to file motion for parliamentary probe into alleged sale of diplomatic, service passports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/minority-to-file-motion-for-parliamentary-probe-into-alleged-sale-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T18:14:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/minority-to-file-motion-for-parliamentary-probe-into-alleged-sale-of-diplomatic-service-passports/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday, November 9, the Minority in Parliament will file a motion requesting the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to probe allegations of improper sale and issuance of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports. The Minority claims it has discovered documents indicating that some ineligible individuals were presented as public officials to secure these passports. During a press conference on Sunday, November 8, the Ranking Minority Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, expressed concern over the allegations, emphasizing the need for an independent inquiry into the matter. The proposed committee will examine passport approvals and issuances from January 7, 2025, to the date of the motion's adoption, determine the extent of the alleged irregularities, and identify those responsible. The Minority also seeks access to passport applications, approval letters, payment records, and related communications.\n\nThe Minority's press conference follows the issuance of a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, clarifying the allegations. The Ministry revealed that it had revoked 10 Service Passports obtained through an illicit arrangement within the passport administration system. These documents were issued to individuals between January 2023 and August 2026 who, according to preliminary investigations, did not meet the requirements for Service Passports. The Ministry stated that the beneficiaries are being pursued, including two individuals who allegedly traveled abroad using the illegally acquired documents in 2023. The investigations were prompted by two petitions received on October 8, 2026, leading to the formation of an investigative committee on October 13, as directed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The Ministry also announced that Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, and a junior Foreign Service Officer, Alhassan Sumani, have been interdicted and handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and potential prosecution.",
  "summary": "The Minority in Parliament will on Monday, November 9, file a motion seeking the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of irregular issuance and sale of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Minority demands probe into alleged passport-for-sale scheme involving 300 travelers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/minority-demands-probe-into-alleged-passport-for-sale-scheme",
        "published": "2026-11-08T18:31:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}