The government has introduced new measures to fast-track passport processing for Hajj pilgrims, ensuring a smoother and more efficient application process.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the initiative during a visit to the Hajj Village on Tuesday, March 4, stating that it marks a major milestone in the country’s service delivery.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has taken deliberate steps to streamline and expedite passport processing specifically for Hajj pilgrims. This initiative, which has the full support of His Excellency, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, is testament to the government’s commitment to serving the needs of all Ghanaians, regardless of their background, and ensuring that every citizen has access to essential government services in a timely and efficient manner,” he said.
President Mahama has also confirmed plans to facilitate the transportation of 5,000 Ghanaian Muslims to Mecca for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Ablakwa underscored the religious and spiritual significance of Hajj, describing it as a sacred obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we all know, Hajj is a deeply spiritual and transformative journey. The Holy Quran admonishes every Muslim who is financially and physically capable to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey of faith, devotion, and unity, bringing together millions of Muslims from all over the world in an act of obedience to Almighty Allah,” he added.
With the implementation of the expedited passport processing system, the government seeks to eliminate bureaucratic delays and provide a seamless experience for pilgrims.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by members of the Muslim community, who see it as a progressive step towards inclusivity and improved public service delivery.
Ablakwa assured that similar efforts would be extended to other sectors to enhance efficiency and accessibility in government services.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, 2025, subject to the sighting of the moon.
TheMinistry of Foreign Affairshas urged stakeholders to stay informed about the ongoing situation and to work with relevant authorities for guidance.
Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Ouagadougou and border agencies will closely monitor the situation and provide necessary support to traders.
Given the increasing challenges facing the agricultural sector across West Africa, regional cooperation and contingency planning are becoming increasingly important.
The Ministry has reassured the public that it will continue engaging with Burkinabe officials to find solutions that minimize economic disruptions while respecting Burkina Faso’s domestic needs.
In the meantime, Ghanaian importers are advised to be cautious, follow trade regulations, and explore alternative sourcing options to ensure a stable supply and price stability of these essential commodities.
“Ghanaian traders and businesses involved in importing these commodities from Burkina Faso are advised to take note of this directive and comply accordingly to avoid any sanctions or confiscation of goods,” the Ministry’s statement highlighted.
Burkina Faso initially announced the export restrictions in December 2023, citing concerns over food sufficiency amid challenging climatic conditions affecting agricultural output.
The ban has since been extended, as reaffirmed by the November 2024 communique, highlighting the country’s determination to stabilize local food supplies.
Ghana, a significant importer of cereals from its northern neighbour, could face short-term supply disruptions and potential price hikes in local markets as a result of the ban.
Market analysts warn that the restriction could have ripple effects on Ghana’s food security, particularly for industries reliant on imported grains and beans.
Local traders, especially those operating along the border regions, have been urged to seek alternative sources or adjust supply chains to mitigate the impact.
“We understand the implications for Ghanaian businesses, but compliance is crucial to maintaining smooth bilateral trade relations,” the Ministry added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged stakeholders to stay informed about the ongoing situation and to work with relevant authorities for guidance.
Ghana’s diplomatic missions in Ouagadougou and border agencies will closely monitor the situation and provide necessary support to traders.
Given the increasing challenges facing the agricultural sector across West Africa, regional cooperation and contingency planning are becoming increasingly important.
The Ministry has reassured the public that it will continue engaging with Burkinabe officials to find solutions that minimize economic disruptions while respectingBurkina Faso’sdomestic needs.
In the meantime, Ghanaian importers are advised to be cautious, follow trade regulations, and explore alternative sourcing options to ensure a stable supply and price stability of these essential commodities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has released a cautionary advisory advising Ghanaians against traveling to select areas in Northern Mali.
According to an official statement, the Ministry highlighted recent security issues along major highways connecting Mali and Niger, specifically in the Gao and Ansongo Regions in Northern Mali.
Instances of terrorist activities targeting travelers along these routes were cited as the reason for concern.
The Ministry affirmed its commitment to the safety of Ghanaians and pledged to provide updates on the security situation in the referenced region as necessary.
In light of these developments, the Foreign Affairs Ministry encouraged the general public to prioritize their safety while traveling.
Ian J Stones is accused of getting secret information for people in other countries, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The spokesperson said he tried to change the sentencing but it was still the same in September.
This information was only told to us in a meeting on Friday.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says that Stones worked in China for a long time with big American companies like General Motors and Pfizer. He is thought to be about 70 years old.
15 years ago, he started a company in Beijing that helps people manage their investments. The Wall Street Journal found this information in corporate records, online profiles, and interviews with people who know him.
Wang Wenbin from Mofa said the court followed the law when handling the case. He also said that Beijing made sure the man’s rights were protected and allowed British officials to visit him and attend his trial.
Stone’s daughter said to the WSJ that embassy officials and one family member were allowed to watch one hearing but not the trial. They were also not allowed to see any legal documents for the case.
She said her father was healthy when he was first taken into custody, but he didn’t get good medical care or enough food, so he got really hurt and his life was in danger.
Ms Stones said that people from the British Embassy have been able to see Stones every four to six weeks to make sure he is ok. But sometimes they didn’t hear from him for a long time and weren’t allowed to visit him.
Mr Wang said that Stones was accused of taking bribes to give information to outside people.
“He said that the court system makes sure that cases are handled according to the law, protecting the rights of Chinese citizens and foreigners. ”
China has been sharing more and more cases of spying by Western countries.
Beijing is trying to make people aware of spying by other countries and asking them to report any strange behavior.
Earlier this month, Chinese officials said they had arrested someone they believe was spying for Britain’s MI6. The BBC could not confirm these statements on its own.
The UK government won’t say yes or no about claims about intelligence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has submitted a proposal to parliament, seeking to revise the current passport application fee from GH¢100 to GH¢400.
The ministry’s proposal is currently under review by the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation of Parliament.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the sector minister, highlighted that this adjustment is necessary to prevent financial losses in the production of passport booklets for citizens.
During her address on the floor of parliament on December 14, 2023, Ayorkor Botchwey explained, “It is time for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports they acquire to travel, beginning next year.”
She further explained that the reconsideration stems from financial challenges within the Ghanaian economy.
The ministry has been compelled to implement these measures as the state can no longer afford to subsidize the expenses associated with printing passports.
The Ho Technical University will oversee the sustainable sanitation project in districts in the Volta Region.
The Sustainable Sanitation in the Volta Region programme is being offered by the Global Dry Toilet Association in Finland in collaboration with Jamk University of Applied Sciences.
Through the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland, they partnered with the Ho Municipal Assembly and the Technical University in 2019 for the implementation of a sustainable sanitation model.
Ten institutional toilets were constructed in the Municipality using the Urine Diverting Dry Toilet (UDDT) model, which is harvested urine for processing into an agricultural input.
A team led by Ms. Tuija Manerus, Project Specialist and Lecturer at the Jamk University, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, ahead of the commencement of the new programme.
Madam Stella Kumedzro, Regional Environmental Health Officer, was present at the engagement, and the Regional Minister was briefed on the success of the pilot programme, which proved the potency in meeting both sanitation and agronomic needs, with vital role played by the HTU.
An exchange programme forms part of the programme, which would enable officers of the Environmental Health Department to broaden and enhance their expertise in Finland.
The Regional Minister was told that the Ho West, Adaklu and Agortime Ziope Districts would also become beneficiaries of the Sustainable Sanitation programme to help transform sanitation and enhance agriculture.
Dr. Letsa expressed joy about the partnership and shared the appreciation of the Regional Co-ordinating Council for the project.
He expressed satisfaction with the efforts to harvest urine for agricultural uses, and stated, “the partnership would not only improve sanitation in the Region but also assist farmers to improve crop production at a lower cost.”
He praised the Ho Technical University’s commitment and successes with the programme, and was confident of sustained progress during the upscale.
The Technical University’s recent resounding scientific breakthrough with the baobab tree gives enviable credit to the role of urea, harvested at the urine diverting dry toilets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has revealed that a total of 82 Ghanaians have been evacuated from Khartoum in Sudan to safety.
In a press statement dated April 25, the ministry indicated that it successfully evacuated two batches of 50 and 27 identified Ghanaian nationals to safety in Gedaref, Sudan. They comprise 34 females and 43 males.
According to the ministry, “they will be transported tomorrow to the Ethiopian border town of Metema where they will be received by Ghana Embassy officials, processed for Ethiopian entry visas and thereof repatriated home.”
Also, three Ghanaian footballers and two others working for an Australian Mining Company are being evacuated through the Egyptian border post of Wadi Halfa, north of Sudan. This brings the total to 82.
To ensure all Ghanaians are brought to safety, those stranded have been advised to reach out to the Honorary Consul, Mr Osama Ataaelmanan via +249-92920-0000.
Accordingly, the public will be apprised of new developments in due course, the ministry pledged.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced its preparedness to evacuate Ghanaian nationals trapped in Sudan’s conflict.
The Ghana Embassy in Cairo, Egypt which has concurrent accreditation to Sudan, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Honorary Consulate is working to ensure this.
Thousands of people have been displaced in Sudan as a result of a deadly war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Khartoum has been the epicentre of the violence, with civilians suffering the most. Over 300 deaths have been reported.
Countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Turkey, Kenya and the UK are all working to evacuate their nationals and diplomats.
The first group of Kenyans who fled Sudan arrived at the Nairobi airport on Monday night in an aircraft.
Defense Secretary Aden Duale welcomed the several evacuees after they departed from a Kenya Air Force aircraft.
The Egyptian military evacuated 177 soldiers last week, while the foreign ministry reported on Sunday that 436 citizens had traveled abroad by land. It is estimated that there are around 10,000 Egyptians living in Sudan.
Over 200 Moroccans were taken to Port Sudan in convoys organised by their embassy.
The Ambassador of Ghana to Turkey, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, has stated that all of the Ghanaian students who reside in Turkey, where the earthquake happened are safe.
“They are sleeping in open tents, that is what they have been advised to do,” she told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 Wednesday, February 8
She added, “they will be evacuated from the disaster area to Ankara and Istanbul.”
.”Thankfully, the Ghanaian community, a number of them have agreed to host them in the meantime. All 18 students have been accounted for, and they are okay,” she stressed.
Regarding Christian Atsu’s status, Madam Ashietey-Oduntun said The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey announced that Atsu was found alive and sent to a medical facility for medical attention.
She however said the challenge is that she does don’t know which particular facility the Ghanaian footballer has been admitted to for medical attention.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey told me that Atsu has been found, rescued and has been sent to a medical facility for medical attention and that they will update me
“they are working fervently to find which medical facilities they have been sent to
“The challenge is finding out which facility Astsu has been sent to. I am still waiting for the Ministry to tell me,” she told Alfred Ocansey on the Ghana Tonight show on TVE
“They keep assuring me that he was found alive, he was taken to a medical facility for attention. As when I get any update I will let you know,” she added.
Turkey’s disaster management agency said the country’s death toll passed 12,000 early Thursday.
The Turkish news agency Andalou reported that 12,391 people were killed and 62,914 others were injured
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has justified its decision to spend over GH¢7 million on a project that was expected to cost a little of GH¢1 million cedis.
In a statement, the Ministry described media reports on the project as inaccurate and detailed reasons that accounted for the project shooting up to GH¢7 million.
Appearing the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, on Friday, January 20, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said the project that was initially supposed to cost the government GH¢1,435,728.99 was executed at GH¢7,967,886.57 because the contractor did not execute on time due to ill health.
The contract for the rehabilitation of Adu Lodge Guest House was awarded to International Development Resources on March 15, 2007.
But according to the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Ramses Joseph Cleland, the project came to a grind a year later due to the ill health of the contractor.
The Ministry said the project was revisited in March 2019 and upon the request of the consultant, was re-valued to GH¢7,967,886.57 for the same contractor to execute.
But the Foreign Affairs Ministry in an attempt to set the records straight said the original award to Messrs International Development Resources (IDR) on 15th March 2007 by the Architectural Engineering Services Limited (AESL) was to demolish the originally existing 3 buildings that constituted the Lodge, at the time, and construct a new building of twelve (12) bedroom at a contract sum of Fourteen Billion, Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy old Ghana cedis (14,357,289.77), equivalent to One Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight new Ghana Cedis, Ninety-Eight Pesewas (GH01,435.728.98) after the redenomination of the Cedi in July 2007.
The contract sum was, however, revised in October 2011 to an amount of Four Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-Eight Ghana Cedis, Seventy pesewas.
Below is the full statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has faulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration for spending $2.8 million and €1.79 million for the payment of rent for home-based staff of 21 missions.
The Auditor General in its 2020 report described the payment of these rents as uneconomic and recommended the use of mortgage systems to curtail the situation.
But appearing before the committee, the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, said the proposed mortgage system of accommodation for missions has been a challenge.
He said the government’s policy is to acquire properties for all its missions abroad but securing finance has been a major challenge to the Ministry.
“The government’s policy is to acquire properties for the missions, residency and chancery but the reality on the ground is that it is not easy for Foreign Missions to get mortgages in these foreign countries. So far we haven’t succeeded. We are exploring a whole range of avenues to try and raise the needed funds.
“We have made some progress, and we are hopeful that we will get there.”
The Committee also raised concerns about the Ministry’s payment of GH₵7.9 million for a project which cost GH₵1.4 million to start in 2007.
The project according to the Ministry was abandoned by the contractor in 2008 but had the contract reviewed in 2017 to GH₵7.9 million despite the initial payment of about 90 percent of the amount.
Portugal has dispatched a team of investigators and experts from the judicial police at the request of Sao Tome and Principe to participate in the investigation into the failed coup attempt in this former Portuguese colony.
This team, made up of “investigators and experts from the judicial police” as well as an “expert in forensic medicine”, was sent on Sunday following “an urgent request for help” from the authorities of Sao-Tome- Principe, says a joint statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.
Portuguese investigators “will work directly with the judicial authorities of Sao Tome and Principe, as part of the investigation into the events of Friday”, specifies the Portuguese government.
The Lisbon decision follows the failed coup attempt in this small island country in the Gulf of Guinea that the government claims to have foiled overnight from Thursday to Friday.
Four people, arrested following these events, died, according to the army chief of staff, Olinto Paquete, who did not give more details on the unclear circumstances.
The government of this independent country since 1975 has “firmly condemned” what it describes as a “violent attempt to subvert the constitutional order”, following a council of ministers on Sunday, while assuring that “all investigations will be carried out to determine the causes and circumstances of the deaths”, in addition to the investigations to determine the responsibilities for the attempted coup.
Following several coup attempts, the last in 2003 and 2009, the parliamentary regime has asserted itself in this archipelago, considered a model of parliamentary democracy in Africa.
He has alternated several times between two parties: the Liberation Movement of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD, center-left) and the Independent Democratic Action (ADI, center-right) of Mr. Trovoada.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has recanted its earlier statement warning Ghanaians to avoid making non-essential trips to Nigeria’s national capital, Abuja.
In a statement dated Thursday, November 16, 2022, and issued on the letterhead of the ministry, members of the general public were asked to avoid travelling to the city due to security developments.
However in a rejoinder issued some hours after, the ministry said the contents of the earlier statement were unauthorised.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to refer to the travel advisory published this evening, Wednesday 16th November 2022 advising against non-essential travel to Abuja and wishes to state that the statement was unauthorised.
“The Ministry is not aware of any threat targeted at Ghanaians who continue to live in harmony with their Nigerian brothers and sisters,” the statement copied to the media said.
In the earlier statement, the ministry said the travel advisory was necessitated by recent security events in the Nigerian Capital.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the travelling public about security developments in Abuja, Nigeria, and the subsequent directive by local authorities to hotels operating in residential buildings to shut down.
Accordingly, the public is advised to avoid non-essential travel to Abuja, due to the unpredictable security situation in the city, and the high danger of terrorism, criminality, inter-communal conflict, armed attacks, and kidnappings.
“Whilst advising travellers who must travel out of necessity to Abuja to take precautionary measures the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public when the situation improves,” it added.
However, in its latest statement, the ministry said it regrets any inconvenience that may have risen out of the travel advisory.
This announcement comes after local Abuja authorities raised concerns about security.
The ministry claims that hotels operating in residential structures in Abuja have been ordered to close due to the significant risk of terrorism, crime, intercommunal violence, armed attacks, and kidnappings.
According to a statement made by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and seen by GhanaWeb, Ghanaians who decide it is worthwhile to visit Abuja must exercise caution.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the travelling public about security developments in Abuja, Nigeria and the subsequent directive by local authorities to hotels operating in residential buildings to shut down. Accordingly, the public is advised to avoid non-essential travel to Abuja due to the unpredictable security situation in the city and the high danger of terrorism, criminality, inter-communal conflict, armed attacks and kidnappings,” part of the statement read.
“Whilst advising travellers who must travel out of necessity to Abuja to take precautionary measures, the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public when the situation improves,” it added.
Read the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s press statement below;
This follows media publication suggesting that the CEO of the defunct Menzgold holds a Service passport.
The Ministry described the publication as “blatantly false.â€
According to the Ministry, NAM1 holds an ordinary passport and not a Service Passport.
In a Facebook post on Monday, 29 August 2022, the Ministry stated categorically that, “the Passport Office has not issued any Service Passport to the person [NAM1] in question.â€
It stressed that: “Checks from our system indicate that NAM 1 only holds an ordinary passport, which was issued in Accra, by the Passport Office.
“The general public must, therefore, disregard the said publication, as it is blatantly false.â€
The Sector Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in a press release stated that, her outfit is working with authorities in the United Arab Emirates to bring back these stranded citizens back to the country.
These stranded persons, according to Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, were misled by agents who promised them jobs in Dubai and the UAE.
The agents have, however, abandoned these persons, making them easy targets for arrest and detention by law enforcement agencies in the UAE.
The Ministry is thus cautioning persons who wish to travel, to do so through the appropriate authorities.
“Even though our stranded compatriots went to the UAE on their own, the government of Ghana is making necessary efforts in collaboration with the UAE authorities to effect the evacuation of our stranded nationalsâ€.
“The Ministry wishes to seize this opportunity to caution some prospective travellers of the Golf region to be mindful of nefarious activities by unscrupulous agents.â€
The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George has been urged to eat humble pie and apologize to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu for calling him a liar, over an issue, which Sam George has rather been found to have lied.
The MP suggested on his Facebook page that Dr. Bawumia had said that holders of the Ghana Card could use the card to travel outside Ghana, and resulting from Sam George’s own claims, he went on and discredited the Ghana Card as a travel document and also insulted Dr. Bawumia with invectives.
However, following his insults to the Vice President, it has emerged that the Vice President has never said anywhere that the Ghana Card could be used to travel outside the country. What Dr. Bawumia has maintained, public records prove, is that the Ghana Card can be used by Ghanaians, and Ghanaian dual citizens, to travel back to Ghana from any part of the world.
Again, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirming the Ghana Card as a travel document that Ghanaians, especially dual citizens, can be used to travel into Ghana, has further exposed Sam George’s claims, for which he insulted the Vice President and called him a liar.
It is this development that has drawn the attention of a political communication consultant, Dr. Ekow Acquah to call on Sam George to apologize.
In an article copied GhanaGuardian , Dr. Acquah described Sam George as one who has earned the title of honorable because of the people he represents and asked Sam George to do “what is expected of men of honor” and apologize to Bawumia after he was exposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and public records.
“Following the Foreign Ministry’s press release and Ghana Immigration releasing data on the number of arrivals with Ghana Cards at the airport, will those who insulted Dr. Bawumia and called him a liar apologize to him”? Dr. Acquah asked.
“If nobody will apologize to the Vice President, at least Hon. Sam George, who has earned the title of Hon. by being the representative of the good people of Ningo Prampram , must do what is expected of men with honor and apologize to Dr. Bawumia for insulting him on his Facebook page on issues he Sam George was clearly wrong and has been exposed.”
“The Vice President has never stated anywhere that the Ghana Card can be used for travels to other countries. He has always maintained that following its recognition by ICAO, Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, can use it to board flights back to Ghana without needing a visa.”
“It was therefore disingenuous and mischievous for a whole honorable member of parliament to launch public attacks on the Vice President and call him names for something he has not said.”
“Indeed if we were in a decent political environment, Sam George in particular, and all those who joined him to insult Dr.Bawumia and bastardize the Ghana Card as a travel document, would have apologized, the moment the Foreign Ministry issued a statement to expose them.”
Below is the full article:
Will those who called Dr. Bawumia a liar over Ghana’s card as a travel document do the honorable and apologize after being exposed?
By Dr. Ekow Acquah (Political Communications Consultant)
One of the most profound development-oriented proverbs in Akan is the saying that; the one who climbs a good tree deserves a push.
In other words, a person embarking on any useful endeavor, whose outcome will benefit all, deserves to be encouraged and supported.
This thought-provoking adage has been part of the daily Ghanaian lexicon, bequeathed to us by our forefathers, to inspire and encourage good deeds and profitable ventures in our societies.
However, on the national scale, the opposite has now become the case. Instead of supporting and pushing people who climb good trees, our society now rather cuts down the tree to see the fall of both the tree and the climber.
The above scenario is the case in the commitment of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to champion a digitized Ghana, using the Ghana Card launch pad.
Rather than providing a joint, patriotic effort to support the fruitful effort of Dr. Bawumia, some Ghanaians have become the proverbial crab that won’t allow any other crab to climb up the basin. Others are even cutting down the good tree Bawumia is climbing so that both the tree and the Vice President will fall.
For the umpteenth time in recent times, certain elements, within the media and political front, this week, launched a sustained campaign to vilify Dr. Bawumia – all because he enumerated the immense benefits of the Ghana card, at the launch of the ePharmacy platform on Monday.
Among the benefits of the Ghana Card Dr. Bawumia mentioned, was its recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as a travel document, thus making it possible for Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, to be able to use the card to board flights to Ghana without requiring a visa, as was the case.
This unique and remarkable function of the Ghana Card is public knowledge, following public ceremonies in Canada by ICAO earlier this year, and public directives by state institutions such as Ghana Immigration, Ghana Airports Company, and Ghana Civil Aviation, among others, that the Ghana Card has become a travel document.
In fact, Ghana Immigration recently held an event at the Kotoka International Airport to officially announce the setting up of special booths to process Ghanaians arriving in Ghana with the Ghana Card.
Despite all these facts, and the reality that Ghanaians based at home and in the diaspora, continue to return home using the Ghana Card, some people who ought to know better, including parliamentarians, launched scathing attacks on the Vice President and called him names, just for stating the true benefits and uses of the Ghana card.
People are so eager and desperate to run down Dr. Bawumia and the Ghana Card that, they even went to the extent of deliberately misinterpreting the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to create a state that she had contradicted the Vice President of Ghana Card is a travel document for Ghanaians to travel back home.
Rightly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement to set the records straight and also to confirm that the Ghana Card, indeed, can be used by Ghanaians as a travel document to travel to Ghana from any airport in the world.
Following the Foreign Ministry’s press release and Ghana Immigration releasing data on the number of arrivals with Ghana Card at the airport, will those who insulted Dr. Bawumia and called him a liar apologize to him?
If nobody will apologize to the Vice President, at least Hon. Sam George, who has earned the title of Hon. by being the representative of the good people of Ningo Prampram, must do what is expected of men with honor and apologize to Dr. Bawumia for insulting him on his Facebook page on issues he Sam George was clearly wrong and has been exposed.
The Vice President has never stated anywhere that the Ghana Card can be used for travels to other countries. He has always maintained that following its recognition by ICAO, Ghanaians, especially dual citizen Ghanaians with foreign passports, can use it to board flights back to Ghana without needing a visa.
It was therefore disingenuous and mischievous for a whole honorable member of parliament to launch public attacks on the Vice President and call him names for something he has not said.
Indeed if we were in a decent political environment, Sam George in particular, and all those who joined him to insult Dr. Bawumia and bastardize the Ghana Card as a travel document, would have apologized, the moment the Foreign Ministry issued a statement to expose them.
How people take delight to bastardize the ongoing digital transformation in the country is amazing! But one has to understand the political critics. It is Bawumia leading it so since he will be credited for it, let us vilify him and also condemn the innovation, even if its benefits to the country and the people are immense.
That is what is happening! Attack Bawumia, vilify him, and attack the innovation. It is the reason every digital innovation he has led; Ghana Card, zipline drones, universal QR Code, mobile money interoperability, ePharmacy , and digitization of government services, among others, has been doubted and criticized.
In Dr. Bawumia’s own words, people with impossible mindsets have always doubted and frustrated every digital innovation he has announced.
I think the Vice President has been very charitable in labeling people with impossible mindsets. These are people with unpatriotic and destructive mindsets.
They don’t want to see anything good for the nation and the people, once it is not coming from them. No matter how beneficial every project, intervention, or innovation is, they will always attack and bastardize it.
I cannot understand how any progressive-minded person will attack Dr. Bawumia for being a champion of digitization, a new global phenomenon every serious country is pursuing.
As a country, we should be proud we have a passionate, committed, and smart leader in our Vice President making our country great in an area many African countries are way behind.
The full benefits of digitization won’t be realized now, but the glimpses we have seen, such as making things easy, boosting revenue, and helping in the fight against corruption, should encourage us to fully support him, regardless of political affiliation.
He is doing it for the country and generations to come, not for himself.
Despite all the vilifications, I am happy the Vice President has remained resilient and unfazed.
Continue to prove the naysayers wrong, Mr. Vice President. Progressive-minded citizens appreciate what you’re doing.
Remain focused and do it for God and your country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairsand Regional Integration has written to the management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) to notify all airlines operating in the country to allow passengers with Special Authorization Permit issued by a Ghana Mission Abroad to travel to Ghana on their airlines.
The Ministry explained in a letter that Ghana Missions abroad are encountering serious system challenges with the issuance of visas for potential travelers to Ghana, a situation that has worsened over the past two weeks.
The letter written on her behalf by the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry, Ambassador Emmanuel Antwi, to the GACL dated 15th July 2022 said “Ghana Missions abroad are encountering serious system challenges with the issuance of visas for potential travelers to Ghana.
“The situation has worsened over the past two weeks creating more chaotic scenes some of the Ghana missions.â€
It added “In this connection, the Ghana Airport Company Limited is being requested to urgently notify all airlines operating in Ghana to allow passengers with Special Authorization Permit issued by a Ghana Mission Abroadto travel to Ghana on their airlines (Only passengers with such authorization should be allowed to board as such authorization will be required for the processing of visa-on arrival.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a disclaimer that there are no plans in place with a purported consultant for fans traveling to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Ministry was responding to reports that the Ghana Mission in Qatar was pledging to support fans.
Nonetheless, the Ministry in a statement said it has not established ties with one Harriet Gyamfuah, who purports to be the Public Relations (PR) Consultant of the Ghana Mission in Qatar.
It cautioned the public against engaging with her, either towards the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 or on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Qatar.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports had already appointed Kenpong Travel & Tours Company as the official travel agency for the 2022 World Cup, and further advised the general public to contact the company if they intend to travel to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
“While assuring of its commitment to uphold the friendly relations between Ghana and Qatar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to advise the public to adhere to the directives issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports,†the statement concluded.
Kenpong Travel and Tours is the accredited agency to take fans to Qatar 2022.
