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International Relations Expert Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to enforce stricter measures in the issuance of diplomatic and service passports to specific individuals.
Dr. Antwi-Danso’s remarks come in the wake of public criticism following the Ministry’s decision to recall diplomatic and service passports issued during Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. The recall, mandated by President John Dramani Mahama, is part of efforts to preserve the credibility of Ghana’s official travel documents and uphold diplomatic integrity.
Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Antwi-Danso highlighted the risks of the current lax issuance process, emphasizing the need for a robust system to ensure that only eligible individuals receive such passports.
“The issuance process should be tightened. In fact, everywhere I have met persons with diplomatic passports or special passports, they are working for the state. Their work is such that it serves the state purpose. But here, it is linkages and whom you know and ‘homeboyism’ kind of attitude towards all these,” he said.
Dr. Antwi-Danso also warned about the potential diplomatic repercussions of misusing these special passports, stressing the importance of credibility and accountability.
“We should be very careful because when you are holding a diplomatic passport and you do anything untoward, it brings about a big problem between the host country where you are and Ghana. That is why we need to tighten the criteria. We need to make it so tough in acquiring it,” he added.
The expert’s call underscores the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s reputation in international relations by ensuring the responsible issuance and use of official travel documents.