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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.
The Director of the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene during the flooding and rainy season to prevent a cholera outbreak.
According to him, although flooding in some parts of the country has subsided, the risk of cholera remains because the conditions that promote the spread of the disease still exist.
“The risk of cholera still exists,” Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe said, explaining that cholera is closely linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Speaking on 3 FM on Thursday, he cautioned the public against becoming complacent a few days or weeks after the floods, stressing that people should continue to be careful about the food they eat and the water they drink.
“I want to urge Ghanaians to be careful what we eat and drink. Let’s not assume that because the flood came last week, we can lower our guard,” he said.
Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe noted that countries with access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation have largely eliminated cholera, adding that Ghana still has challenges in those areas.
He therefore advised the public to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, especially by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water.
According to him, handwashing remains the most effective and affordable way to reduce the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
“The most cost-effective intervention is handwashing with soap and water,” he said.
According to him “That does not depend on whether there are floods or not. Make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap and water.”
He called on Ghanaians to maintain clean surroundings and practise proper sanitation to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks during the rainy season.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Supreme Court has dismissed all four suits challenging the removal of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office as Chief Justice.
The court delivered its rulings earlier this morning, ending the legal challenge at the domestic level.
This follows last week’s judgement by the ECOWAS Court, which also rejected applications seeking to overturn Justice Torkonoo’s removal.
Each of the four cases filed at the Supreme Court argued against the processes that led to Justice Torkonoo’s exit. The court, however, found no legal basis to grant relief and dismissed each application in its entirety.
In a brief statement by the Deputy Attorney-General Jusrice Srem-Sai after the rulings, he expressed appreciation to the legal team.
“Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff,” he posted on Facebook, acknowledging their role in defending the state’s position through both ECOWAS and Supreme Court proceedings.
Background
Justice Gertrude Torkonoo was removed from office as Chief Justice following proceedings initiated earlier this year.
The move triggered multiple legal challenges, including four separate suits at the Supreme Court and petitions before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Both courts have now ruled against the challengers.
Last week, the ECOWAS Court dismissed the regional applications, and this morning’s Supreme Court decision closes the matter in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
