News
Okudzeto Ablakwa visits passport office headquarters and Accra PAC
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), undertook a tour of the Passport Office Headquarters, Ridge, and the Accra Regional Passport Application Center (Accra PAC) on February 19, 2025.
At both Offices, the Minister was given an in-depth tour of the facilities, where he was introduced to the various stages of the passport processing system, including the latest advancement in chip-embedded passport technology.
The Minister took the opportunity to interact with the staff. He, on behalf of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama expressed appreciation for their dedication and service.
As part of his commitment to improving service delivery, the Minister outlined plans to introduce a 3-schedule shift system to clear the existing backlog of passport applications.
He also hinted at an increase in staff strength at the passport offices, upgrade and better equip the place to meet the growing demand.
Mr.Ablakwa further informed of an expansion of the office facilities, improved security, and enhanced transportation options, all aimed at ensuring staff productivity and efficiency.
In a bid to make passport services more accessible, Ablakwa announced that the government was exploring ways to subsidize the cost of obtaining a standard 32-page ordinary passport.
Additionally, he revealed plans to introduce premium passport services at a relatively higher cost, designed to offer faster processing time for those with urgent travel needs.
Addressing the passport processing timeline, the Minister stated that while the current duration had already been reduced to four weeks, efforts would be made to shorten it further, aiming for a one-week turnaround in the near future.
News
Kwabena Agyepong files nomination ahead of primaries
Kwabena Agyepong has officially filed his nomination to contest for the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), becoming the first candidate to do so ahead of the party’s upcoming primaries.
Following the successful filling, Mr. Agyepong told party supporters that his vision was to build a Ghana that is “economically robust, fiscally responsible, socially cohesive, and fully accountable to its people.”
He said the country faces urgent challenges, including high unemployment, illegal mining, poor sanitation, chaotic city planning, and court congestion due to land disputes.
He warned about growing political polarization and the demoralization of young Ghanaians.
Mr. Agyepong stressed the need to restore the party and national values of service, sacrifice, and selflessness.
He called for leaders who can take tough decisions and provide real solutions for the nation.
The NPP leadership race will determine the party’s flagbearer for the next general elections, with Ing. Kwabena Agyepong’s nomination marking the official start of the contest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Korle Bu Dental Dep’t Gets New Digital X-Ray Machine
The Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, has commissioned newly installed digital X-ray machines at the Radiology Department to further enhance diagnostic services and improve patient care.
At the brief ceremony, Dr. Adam underscored the significance of the new machines in meeting the growing demand for advanced diagnostic services. He described the commissioning as a major milestone in the hospital’s modernisation agenda, aimed at boosting efficiency in patient management.
Dr. Matthew Boamah, Head of the Dental Unit, and Dr. Hafisatu Gbadamosi, Head of the Radiology Department, expressed their appreciation to hospital management and partners, Rontgen Imaging, for making the project possible. They assured that the machines will be utilised to their fullest potential for the benefit of patients.
The new equipment will significantly improve the quality and speed of imaging, especially for dental and maxillofacial cases, while minimising patient exposure to radiation. In addition, it will support teaching, research, and specialised care, further strengthening Korle Bu’s position as a leading referral centre in Ghana and the sub-region.
This commissioning forms part of the hospital’s broader commitment to upgrading its infrastructure and delivering world-class healthcare to its patients and clients.
