The deputy Minister of Foreign affairs and regional integration, Hon Mohammed Habib Tijani together with the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih commissioned a passport application center in the Upper West Regional Capital, Wa.
In a short ceremony held on Tuesday, 24th November, 2020, Hon Mohammed Habib Tijani who is also the Member of Parliament for Yendi said the initiative is part of government’s commitment to expand the scope of passport operations in the country.
According to him, President Akufo Addo on Friday commissioned a new passport head office in Accra which will serve as a permanent office for central operations and production where regional applications centers are served.
He said the commissioning of the Upper West Regional application center brings the number of application centers to 13 across the country.
He further indicated that preparations are underway for the establishment of additional passport application centers in the Upper East Regional capital in Bolgatanga as well as the six newly created regions in 2021.
The ultimate goal according to him, is to roll out online passport application platforms in all regional capitals across the country in line with the government commitment to ensuring that, the objective of the passport centers is broadly achieved while pointing out that the commissioning of this office building marks a significant milestone.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih said the event was a demonstration of the commitment of Government to decentralize passport application to the regional level.
He said the new passport application center will reduce the cost and stress citizens go through in the region when applying for or renewing their passports.
According to him, the online application system will reduce overcrowding at the center and also eliminate middlemen.
He advised staff of the center to work hard and inculcate a good maintenance culture to keep the center in good shape and functional.
Speaking to Danwanaa Travel and Tour on the sidelines, the CEO said the Wa passport office will help reduce cost and traveling time which was a major barrier in accessing one in Tamale.
Uztaz Hassan Labaika who owns labaika Hajj agency noted that the commissioning of the passport office will boost the activities of the agency in facilitating the passports of clients.
BY: ALHASSAN TAJUDEEN
