The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, commissioned the Damongo Passport Application Centre (PAC) in the Savannah Region as part of government’s drive to decentralise passport services and improve access nationwide.
The establishment of the Damongo PAC forms part of a broader agenda to ensure equitable access to essential public services, bringing passport application services closer to residents of the Savannah Region and reducing the need to travel to other regional capitals.
Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, Hon. Ablakwa disclosed that when he assumed office, passport application centres existed in only nine of Ghana’s sixteen regions. He said the Ministry, in line with government policy, has worked diligently to ensure that all regional capitals would have fully operational passport application centres before 2026.
As part of this effort, new centres were opened in Bolgatanga, Dambai, Techiman, Damongo, Goaso, Nalerigu and Sefwi-Wiawso in 2025.
The Minister also outlined ongoing passport administration reforms, reiterating government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s passport. He stressed that only eligible Ghanaian citizens who successfully complete the required processes would be issued the document.
The Paramount Chief of the Damongo Traditional Council, Damongowura Kelly Boresa I, commended government for the decentralisation initiative, describing it as a major relief to residents of the region.
In his remarks, the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Bi-Awurbe pledged the Region’s support to ensure the efficient operation of the centre. He further announced the allocation of a two-acre parcel of land to facilitate the construction of a permanent passport application facility in Damongo.
Representing the Savannah Parliamentary Caucus, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah also a member of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs expressed confidence that the facility would significantly ease the burden on applicants who previously travelled long distances to access passport services.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by service chiefs, traditional and religious leaders, and residents of the Savannah Region.
Prior to the event, Hon. Ablakwa paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of Gonja, His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, at the Jakpa Palace, where he briefed the King on ongoing passport administration reforms.
