The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commended members of the Alagumgube Association for their instrumental role in the establishment of a Passport Application Center in the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Bolgatanga, Mr. Ablakwa said the association’s initiative exemplifies the kind of community-driven development that Ghana needs, emphasizing that “every region needs an Alagumgube Association.”
He noted that through the group’s resource mobilization and collaboration with the Ghana Commercial Bank and the Regional Coordinating Council, the long-awaited passport center had finally become a reality — a milestone that ends decades of inconvenience for residents of the Upper East Region who previously had to travel to Tamale to acquire passports.
“This is the first time in the history of the Upper East Region that a passport application center is being opened. We are sending a clear message that development must be inclusive and reach every part of Ghana,” the Minister stated.
Mr. Ablakwa also announced major passport reforms, including reduced application fees from GH₵500 to GH₵350, a courier delivery system, and AI-enhanced security protocols to prevent fraud and ensure efficiency. He further assured that by the end of 2025, all 16 regions in Ghana would have operational passport application centers.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
