Ghana’s image expected to be protected with biometric passport
Mr. Nelson Ayamga Mba, Upper East Regional Information Officer, has noted that the introduction of the Biometric Passport on April 1 would help eliminate fraud and protect the image of the country.
He said the new passport would prevent foreigners from acquiring the travelling document through dubious means.
Mr. Mba made this known when his outfit in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) organised a public education forum on the biometric passport in Bolgatanga.
He said the passport would facilitate easy verification of identity and proof of ownership through biological information that links the holder to the document.
The biological features would include the finger print, eyes and facial requirements of the owner of the passport.
Mr. Peter Defie, Regional Commander of the GIS said Ghanaian citizens could obtain application forms at a designated bank, post office or other sales points and attach all the required documents listed to the nearest passport application centre where the biometric data would be taken.
He said the applications in the meantime would be submitted in seven areas including two areas in Greater Accra Region, one each in Tamale, Ho, Kumasi, Sunyani as well as some Ghanaian Missions abroad.
He said it would take 15 days for one to acquire the new passport or three days if one wants the process to be expedited.
Mr. Defie said under the new requirements applicants would not be allowed to submit passport forms on behalf of others nor could one be allowed to collect passports for other persons.
Source: GNA