Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has inaugurated a temporary Passport Application Centre in Bolgatanga to bring passport acquisition services closer to residents.
The initiative, which was championed by Alagumgube, a pressure and development-oriented group in the region, in collaboration with the government, is expected to ease the financial and physical burden of residents who, for decades, had to travel to Tamale or Wa to access such services.
The temporary facility includes the renovation of one of the buildings of Bolgatanga branch of the GCB Bank and installation of the needed equipment for the delivery of passport application services.
Until now, the Upper East Region was the only region among the original 10 regions without a passport application centre.
The absence of a passport application centre in the region compelled many residents, especially students, businesspeople and travellers, to endure long journeys and additional costs to obtain the national travel document other regions.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Minister commended Alagumgube for its proactive efforts and collaboration with the government in ensuring that the region was not left out in accessing essential national services particularly the establishment of the passport application centre.
The Minister said the establishment of the temporary office formed part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to decentralising passport services across the country to make them more accessible, efficient and inclusive.
Mr Ablakwa said: “This is the first time in the history of the Upper East Region that we are opening a passport application centre, so today we are making history.
“It should not have taken us this long, but as they say, better late than never and I am happy that all of us have worked as a team, as patriots, to deliver this passport application centre. Today, as we make history, we are sending a very clear statement that development must be inclusive.” he said.
He empathised with residents of the region who hitherto travelled long distances to acquire a passport in other regions, describing the situation as injustice.
The Minister added: “We are here to celebrate passion, concerted effort, taking no for an answer, and deciding that an injustice, which has existed for so many years, where the Upper East Region, a region that has 1.3 million Ghanaians residing here, for passport acquisition, you have to travel long distance (three hours) to Tamale.
“The risk involved, the resources, the inconvenience, just for your biometrics to be taken in another region. Today we say no more to the inconvenience, no more to wasting of resources, no more to the threat, and no more hassle just because you want to acquire a passport, which is your right as a Ghanaian, as a citizen.”
Already, a permanent structure is being put up for the Regional Passport Application Centre and the Minister assured of its completion to expand services.
Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, commended the government, the Alagumgube, GCB and the traditional leaders in the region for the supporting the project, describing it as a defining moment in the lives of the people of the region.
He said decentralisation of the passport application centre in the region was a symbol of hope and responsiveness on the part of the government which impacts would last forever.
“Let us continue to work together and support the staff of this facility to make it a hub of excellence and service delivery,” he urged.
Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and Deputy Caucus Leader, Upper East Caucus in Parliament, commended the government for the facility and pledged the continued advocacy of the Caucus for establishing of offices of decentralised government departments in the region.
Mr Gabriel Agambila, Leader and Founder of the Alagumgube Group, expressed satisfaction, adding that the passport application centre would relief resistance of the stress they used to endure.
He said the group remained committed to partnering government and other stakeholders to championing development interventions that would improve the living conditions of people in the region.
GNA
