TIG Post

Tag: Foreign Ministry

  • Foreign Ministry land allocations reversed by Mahama – Minister reveals

    Foreign Ministry land allocations reversed by Mahama – Minister reveals

    President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of all allocations and sales of land belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed. The directive aims to protect state assets and curb further encroachment on public lands.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, March 5, Ablakwa stated that the order specifically affects land adjacent to the Foreign Affairs Ministry at Airport Residential, which had been allocated to seven organisations and individuals under the previous administration.

    “Yesterday’s presidential directive will ensure that the Ministry’s adjoining land at Airport Residential, which some seven organisations and individuals claim to be the new owners, would now be cancelled and preserved for the people of Ghana,” he stated.

    The minister lauded President Mahama for his swift and firm intervention, describing it as a demonstration of patriotic leadership. He emphasized that the move reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding national resources.

    “I am enormously grateful to President Mahama for his unwavering patriotic and decisive presidential backing,” Ablakwa added.

    Reaffirming his commitment to protecting Foreign Ministry properties, Ablakwa assured the public that no assets belonging to the ministry—whether in Ghana or abroad—would be sold under his leadership.

    “Under my watch as Foreign Minister, no land or property of the Ministry, located either home or abroad, would be sold,” he affirmed.

  • Passport forms worth GHS100-GHS150 to be invalid after Oct. 18 – Foreign Ministry to applicants

    Passport forms worth GHS100-GHS150 to be invalid after Oct. 18 – Foreign Ministry to applicants

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has informed passport applicants who paid for their applications before April 1, 2024, that they must complete their biometric data capture by October 18, 2024.

    This directive is aimed at applicants who have not yet visited their designated Passport Application Centres (PACs) to finalize the process.

    According to a press release issued on September 18, 2024, the Ministry stressed that failure to complete the biometric capture by the stated deadline will result in the invalidation of their applications.

    “Passport applications submitted under the previous fees of GHS100 and GHS150 will be invalid after this deadline. This follows an upward revision in passport fees, in line with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I 2481), which came into effect on April 1, 2024,” the release stated.

    The Ministry urged applicants to adhere to the timeline to avoid delays or complications in receiving their passports, adding, “Applicants are advised to act swiftly to avoid their applications being invalidated.”

    This reminder forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to streamline the passport application process and ensure timely completion of all necessary steps for processing.

    Public Announcement – PassportDownload
  • Foreign Ministry directs applicants to complete pending passport applications by Oct 18

    Foreign Ministry directs applicants to complete pending passport applications by Oct 18

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a directive to passport applicants who paid for their applications before April 1, 2024, to complete their biometric data capture by October 18, 2024.

    This requirement applies to all applicants who have yet to visit their designated Passport Application Centres (PACs) to finalize their application process.

    The directive, outlined in a press release dated September 18, 2024, stresses the importance of completing biometric capture to ensure the processing of passport applications. The Ministry has made it clear that any applications still pending biometric capture after the deadline will be invalid.

    The Ministry also highlighted the need for applicants to adhere to this timeline to avoid delays or complications in receiving their passports.

    “Passport applications submitted under the previous fees of GHC100 and GHC150 will be invalid after this deadline. This follows an upward revision in passport fees, in line with the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I 2481), which came into effect on April 1, 2024,” the release stated.

    The Ministry urged all affected applicants to act swiftly to prevent their applications from being rejected. “Applicants are advised to act swiftly to avoid their applications being invalidated,” the statement concluded.

    The Ministry’s reminder is part of ongoing efforts to streamline passport application processes and ensure that applicants complete all necessary steps for their applications to be processed.

    Public Announcement – PassportDownload
  • Akufo-Addo hasn’t tainted Ghana’s relation with Burkina Faso – Foreign Ministry

    Akufo-Addo hasn’t tainted Ghana’s relation with Burkina Faso – Foreign Ministry

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has refuted allegations that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is responsible for Ghana’s deteriorated relationship with Burkina Faso.

    In a statement, the Ministry described the claims as “wholly unfounded and lack substantial evidence or merit.”

    This follows allegations by former President John Dramani Mahama that President Akufo-Addo ‘s recent commentary and engagement with the United States government had affected the relationship between Ghana and Burkina Faso causing “diplomatic tension” between the two states.

    The Ministry noted in a statement on Saturday, August 10, that under President Akufo-Addo, diplomatic efforts had consistently been directed towards fostering constructive and respectful relations with all nations including Burkina Faso.

    “It is recalled that a ministerial visit to Burkina Faso in 2022, followed by a visit of the President in 2023 received the highest level of courtesies and hospitality and reinforced the commitment of the two fraternal countries to building stronger bonds of cooperation across all fields, for the mutual benefit of our two people and our region,” it stated.

    The Ministry added that the leadership of President Akufo-Addo has been dedicated to advancing diplomacy in a manner that upholds the values of diplomacy and promotes peaceful engagement on the global stage.

    “It is crucial to emphasise that Ghana is committed to maintaining diplomatic relationships with Burkina Faso. Our interactions with Burkina Faso are guided by the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.”

    “The Ministry therefore called for a focus on building bridges and strengthening ties with our neighbour rather than spreading falsehood that only serves to undermine the spirit of international cooperation,” it further noted.

  • Don’t travel to Yao and Ansonga of Northern Mali due to terrorist attacks – Foreign Ministry to public

    Don’t travel to Yao and Ansonga of Northern Mali due to terrorist attacks – Foreign Ministry to public

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a travel advisory advising Ghanaians against traveling to certain regions in the northern part of Mali.

    In a press release, the Ministry cited a recent security threat along the major highways linking Mali and Niger, particularly in the Gao and Ansongo Regions of Northern Mali.

    The advisory comes in light of reports of terrorists harassing commuters who use these routes.

    “The Ministry remains committed to the safety of Ghanaians and will provide updates on the security situation in the region under reference in due course,” the statement read.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the general public to prioritize their safety when traveling.

    In September 2023, Islamist militants attacked a river boat in north-eastern Mali, killing at least 49 civilians.

    They also reportedly attacked an army camp, killing 15 soldiers, while around 50 militants were said to have died.

  • Gov’t to introduce chip-embedded passports in 6 months – Foreign Ministry

    Gov’t to introduce chip-embedded passports in 6 months – Foreign Ministry

    Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has revealed government’s plans to introduce chip-embedded passports in Ghana within the next six months.

    The Minister highlighted that this move is in accordance with a directive from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Canada.

    During an interview on JoyNews on Wednesday, April 3, Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong clarified that despite the introduction of the new chip-embedded passports, the current biometric passports will remain valid for a period of time.

    “When we bring in the chip embedded, both passports can be used for a period of about a minimum of one year or more. So still you have the biometric, you can use it until a year and half or about two years’ time. We are yet to decide on it”he said.

    The Deputy Minister also stated that the new chip-embedded passports will not come with extra cost.

    “It will all stay the same. At least that 100 extra will be able to take care of the extra cost in introducing the chip embedded. The chip embedded cost more but even if we introduce it, we will still be able to charge the same GH₵500 and be able to operate without too much challenges or difficulties.”

    Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong highlighted that Ghana’s current passport fees are among the lowest in the West African sub-region. He stated that increasing the fees would help align them with the cost of passport issuance in neighboring countries.

    “Benin is charging $50 for a passport, Burkina Faso charges $80 which is about GH₵ 960, Cameroon charges $180 that is about GH₵ 2,160, Ivory Coast charges $123, which is about GH₵ 1,500, Gambia charges 50%, Guinea charges $57. Guinea Bissau charges $65, Mali $91, Nigeria $54, Sierra Leone $100, Togo $50, Liberia $40 lowest, Ghana $7 or $8,” he said.

    He pointed out that Ghana’s passport fees are notably lower than those of Liberia, which is presently reviewing its fees and contemplating an increase.

    The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister further stated that while Ghanaians may be displeased with the increase in passport fees, it is a necessary measure.

    “The bottom line is we want to increase and improve service delivery. We are not happy with the level of service we are providing. We have to be very honest about it,” he said.

  • Passport fees to be increased by 500%

    Passport fees to be increased by 500%

    A publication by Aviation Ghana.com suggests that Ghana is lacing its boots to increase its passport fees from $8 (about GHC100) to $40 (about GHC500).

    Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, cited in the article shared by IMANI-Africa Vice President Bright Simons, is said to have justified the potential fee hike, claiming that the current fees are insufficient to cover the expenses of procuring, processing, and issuing passports.

    He emphasized that Ghana’s passport is heavily subsidized, being the cheapest in the West African sub-region.

    “Our passport happens to be the cheapest in the whole West African Sub-region. Ghana passport cost 8 dollars, the next cheapest is Liberia [which charges] 40 dollars. The supplier of the Liberian and Ghanaian passport booklet is the same company. So our passport is heavily subsidized. The money that we are supposed to use to buy the computers and the printers to be able to provide quick service delivery is being used to subsidized the passport that people apply for, ” he is quoted to have said.

    The proposed fee increase, as reported by Aviation Ghana.com, is yet to be officially confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

    Presently, regular service costs GHC 100 (US$8), while expedited service is GHC 150 (US$13). The speculated proposal hints at a potential increase from US$8 to US$40.

    Meanwhile, Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, has taken to X (Twitter) to question the government’s transparency and accuracy in presenting facts when introducing policies.

    Mr Simons believes that government officials might be manipulating facts to support their agenda, stating, “Anytime Ghanaian govt officials want to push a policy, the facts are the 1st victims!”

    He highlighted the importance of presenting accurate figures and questioned whether officials should give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing potentially false information.

    “Foreign Ministry wants to increase passport fees by 500%. Excuse is that Ghana’s fees are the cheapest in the region. Dep Minister cites a string of wrong facts to push agenda. A. Nigeria charges ~$11/$18 for 32-page booklet & $25 for 64-page booklet (official exch rate; lower for market rate). B. Gambia charges $14.5 for 64-page booklet C. Ghana charges $8 for 32-page booklet & $12.5 for 64-page (standard) BUT $12.5/32-page & $16.5/64-page EXPEDITED, he wrote.

    He added, “In short, depending on the size & mode of application (standard/expedited), Ghanaian passports can be more expensive than other countries’. Ghanaian passports may well be cheap comparatively. But should Officials give citizens a basis for mistrust by citing false figures?”

  • British to withdraw from Gaza ‘in stages’ – Foreign Ministry

    British to withdraw from Gaza ‘in stages’ – Foreign Ministry

    The British people leaving Gaza will probably happen gradually in the next few days, said the UK Foreign Office.

    The Rafah border crossing with Egypt will be open for specific and limited amounts of time for people to pass through. It will also let severely injured people leave the area.

    On Wednesday, the first group of people from other countries and Palestinians who were hurt were allowed to cross.

    Around 200 British people are thought to be in Gaza.

    People in Gaza were not able to leave since 7th October because of the attacks by Hamas on Israel. Many people were killed and some were taken hostage.

    The health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, reported that over 8,700 people have died since Israel started bombing in response.

    Israel has complete control over the air and shoreline areas of Gaza. They closely monitor and restrict the movement of people and items.

    The first vehicles carrying injured people from Gaza have now gone into Egypt

    Around 500 people can go to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border every day.

    The border authority in Gaza has made a list of many names. These names are of people who have dual citizenship or are from other countries. They are being told they can leave through the crossing on Wednesday.

    Among them are two people from Britain who work for organizations that are not part of the government. We do not know the day when they will leave.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Middle East minister Lord Ahmad had discussions with leaders from Egypt, Israel, and Qatar.

    The Egyptian and Israeli authorities will create lists of people who are leaving, and they will inform the embassies ahead of time so they can get ready to welcome their citizens.

    Mr Cleverly mentioned that teams from the UK in Egypt are prepared to help British people once they can return home.

    “It is extremely important that urgent and life-saving help can reach Gaza as soon as possible,” he said in a statement on X, previously known as Twitter.

    Officials from Western countries have sent a group of people to Arish, which is about 25 miles away from Rafah, to make sure they can give the required medical, consular, and administrative help.

    Both Mr Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer want to temporarily stop the fighting in Gaza so that humanitarian assistance can be provided.

    Humanitarian pauses are shorter than formal ceasefires. They often only last for a few hours.

    According to the United Nations, these actions are usually done solely to help people in need, rather than to find permanent political solutions.

  • China’s foreign ministry to discuss debt restructuring plan with Ghana

    China’s foreign ministry to discuss debt restructuring plan with Ghana

    China would like to enhance communications with Ghana to seek proper resolution of Ghana’s debt issue, its foreign ministry said on Thursday,

    Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remark in response to a question on Ghana’s finance minister visiting Beijing for a proposed restructuring of Ghana’s debt.

  • Body of a Zambian soldier who died in Ukraine to be sent home

    A student from Zambia who died in Ukraine while fighting for Russia, Lemekhani Nyirenda, is expected to return home on Sunday, according to Zambia’s foreign ministry.

    Stanley Kakubo told parliament that the body had now reached the Russian port city of Rostov-on-Don and a Zambian diplomat would accompany it back to Lusaka, the foreign ministry has tweeted

    The 23-year-old died in September but news of the death only came out last month. It left his family and the Zambian government pressing the Russian authorities for answers.

    Nyirenda, who had been studying nuclear engineering in Moscow, was serving a drugs-related prison sentence in Russia.

    His sister Muzang’alu Nyirenda said he had been an unwitting drugs courier.

    The foreign minister told parliament on Friday that the Russian government confirmed Nyirenda was pardoned in August “to join a military operation in exchange for amnesty”.

    Mr Kakubo said he was still asking the Russians for more details about the death of the young Zambian.

    Source: BBC