Foreign Ministry investigates foreign nationals with Ghanaian Passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration says it is investigating allegations of foreign nationals who are using Ghanaian passports.

Reports indicate that some foreign nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf states are holders of Ghanaian passports.

But the Ministry, in a statement, noted that applicants go through rigorous vetting processes before acquiring a passport under the current biometric regime.

It further said that the rigorous processes make it impossible for unqualified persons, especially, foreigners to acquire a Ghanaian passport.

“It is an offence under Ghanaian laws for foreign nationals to acquire Ghanaian passports,” the statement said.

“Indeed, there have been a number of instances where the Ministry in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service and other law enforcement agencies, have apprehended some individuals for attempting to acquire Ghanaian passports. These cases have been successfully prosecuted and appropriate sanctions have been applied to the culprits,” the Ministry added.

Unfounded claims

Portions of the statement also cautioned against unfounded claims, especially, on social media about the matter.

“Individuals with credible evidence on foreign nationals in possession of our passport are to approach the Ministry for further action by the law enforcement agencies,” it advised.

The Ministry assured the public of continuous effort “to adopt relevant measures in the issuance of Ghanaian passports in order to uphold and protect the integrity of the travel document.”