Mr Ablakwa said all PACs nationwide had now been fully integrated under a central system that automatically blocks blacklisted applicants from reapplying elsewhere.

“We have enhanced our passport security protocols using AI and fully integrated all the PACs nationwide to ensure that blacklisted applicants cannot acquire passports in other parts of the country,” he said.

He also warned non-citizens against attempting to acquire Ghanaian passports unlawfully. “Foreigners should not attempt to acquire our passports because they will be promptly apprehended and prosecuted without mercy,” he added.

The minister further announced that the anticipated reductions in passport fees would take effect in the coming days when the new Fees and Charges Legislative Instrument matures in Parliament.

He said the new system formed part of broader reforms that included ICAO-standard chip-embedded passports, electronic tracking, courier delivery, and a maximum 15-day expedited processing period.

Mr Ablakwa noted that the commissioning of the Bolgatanga centre brought the government closer to completing the establishment of PACs in all seven regions that previously lacked them.

“By December this year, all seven regions in Ghana without PACs shall have this unacceptable situation resolved, one fixed, six more to go,” he stated.

He said the measure formed part of the Mahama administration’s drive to promote inclusive national development and equitable access to public services, adding that every region, including the Upper East with a population of 1.3 million, deserved the same quality of government services.

Mr Ablakwa expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region for their hospitality during the inauguration and commended local communities and associations for their support toward the successful establishment of the centre.