Abdul Malik Adam Gariba, Ashanti Regional Director of Passports, says the closure of premium passport centres nationwide has not disrupted operations at the main passport application centres.
Speaking to Asaase News, Gariba explained that an exit strategy implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured a smooth transition, preventing congestion or setbacks for applicants.
Asaase News’s visit to the main passport application centre at Adum in Kumasi, confirmed that services were running normally without pressure.
“The main passport application centres began offering premium services in November last year, following a directive by the Minister for Foreign Affairs for all centres to roll out the service. Although the premium centres later stopped accepting new premium applications, they continued to operate to clear the backlog of old applications before the eventual closure so it has not affected operations in the main centre,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a 23 February notice, directed applicants with pending requests to continue processing at regional passport centres or contact the Passport Office Client Service Unit for assistance.
Gariba clarified that while dedicated premium centres in Accra and Kumasi have been shut down, premium services remain available at the main centres, including a 24-hour processing option which he said is operating effectively without challenges.
Reporting By Blessing Brago, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi
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