New chip-embedded passports to be rolled out after contract review – Ablakwa | The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the government will issue new chip-embedded passports after thoroughly reviewing the contract signed by his predecessor.
The chip-embedded passports come with enhanced biometric features and are expected to gradually phase out the current biometric passports. They are to be linked to the national identification system. The biometric information on the chip can be used to authenticate the identity of the passport holder.
The e-passport for Ghanaian citizens incorporates advanced security features, including anti-fraud technologies with latent and patent indicators. This chip-embedded passport serves as an upgrade to the existing biometric version.
Addressing Ghana’s 276-memeber Legislature in Accra, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, said a committee would be set up to review the contract for the chip-embedded passports after which his Ministry will take steps to roll it out.
“When the review of the contract is done, we will move into a phased-out roll-out of the chip-embedded passport and we expect a smooth transition [from the current biometric passport],” he said.
The e-passport’s design, out doored by the previous government, reflects Ghana’s cultural heritage, featuring Adinkra symbols such as Freedom and Independence, and Democracy and Cooperation.
The previous government initiated the project in 2016 in partnership with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited (BTS).
New chip-embedded passports to be rolled out after contract review – Ablakwa | By Joojo Maapa
