Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
Ghana’s chip-embedded passport was formally introduced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This innovative technology aims to improve the security, effectiveness, and international recognition of the country’s travel credentials.
Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, presented the first chip-embedded passport to the president during the launch ceremony in Accra.
Under the terms of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act 1967 (NLCD 155), the project got underway in 2016. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs used a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model in collaboration with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a private Ghanaian company, to make the project a reality.
Ghana is following the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) requirements and the rapidly changing worldwide regulations for biometric identification thanks to the chip-embedded passport.
President Akufo-Addo was proud of the accomplishment and emphasized the new e-passport’s practical and symbolic value.
He traced Ghana’s passport history, noting how they changed from handwritten documents in the 1960s to biometric passports in 2010, which led to this most recent advancement.
“This is a day of pride and joy for our beloved country, Ghana,” Akufo-Addo stated.
“The e-passport is not just a travel document; it is a symbol of our progress, resilience, and readiness to embrace the future with confidence.”
“The chip-embedded passport represents the pinnacle of this journey, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance document security, safeguard national identity, and meet stringent international standards,” the President added.
“Beyond its technological and practical advantage, the new Ghana passport is a celebration of our national identity. It is designed to incorporate elements of our rich cultural heritage, including adinkra symbols such as “fawohodie,” democracy, and cooperation. These symbols remind us of the values that define us as Ghanaians: freedom, resilience, and unity,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
With their sophisticated biometric technology integrated into microchips, the new passports provide strong defense against identity theft, counterfeiting, and tampering.
The invention demonstrates Ghana’s dedication to safeguarding the identity of its people and guaranteeing safe travel
Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey’s leadership in spearheading the program was praised by President Akufo-Addo, who described her work as “exemplary and transformative.”
Rapid technical improvements necessitated the switch from biometric to chip-embedded passports, according to Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey.
Mr. Tamás Fehér, the ambassador of Hungary to Ghana, praised the project as evidence of the close ties between Ghana and Hungary.
In support of Ghana’s goal of excellence in travel documentation, Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, represented by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Adarkwa, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to creating passports that adhere to ICAO criteria.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
