Ghana Launches Free Passport Replacement Programme After Accra Floods

July 24, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ghana has launched a programme to replace passports free of charge for citizens who lost or damaged the documents during the floods that hit parts of Accra in late June, with the first 100 replacement passports already issued. The initiative follows a public appeal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 3 inviting flood victims to apply for new passports after the disaster destroyed essential travel documents. Since then, the ministry has received about 500 applications, all of which are undergoing verification before replacements are issued.

The first batch of passports was presented at the ministry's headquarters in Accra on July 17 by Chief Director Ambassador Khadija Idrissu, who represented Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Senior ministry officials also attended the ceremony. Idrissu said the programme was introduced as a government intervention to ease the financial burden on people affected by the floods, noting that beneficiaries would receive replacement passports at no cost.

She said only applications that satisfy the ministry's eligibility requirements would be approved, adding that the first 100 passports represent an initial phase of the programme and that further batches will be released as the screening process progresses. The ministry said staff from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Passport Office had been working to accelerate the processing of applications while maintaining verification procedures.

Addressing applicants whose passports have not yet been issued, Idrissu said processing remains under way and assured them that every effort is being made to complete the remaining replacements as quickly as possible. Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Richmond Debrah said many families had lost important travel documents during the floods and would have struggled to meet the cost of replacing them individually. He said the government's intervention had eased that burden and restored confidence among those affected.

The ministry said the programme reflects its commitment to maintaining responsive public services during national emergencies while ensuring flood-affected citizens can regain access to essential travel documents without additional financial cost.

Source: FSX Business News