Accra: Ghana has seen significant improvements in the passport application process, thanks to the efforts of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s digitalisation agenda. This progress includes a 30 percent reduction in costs, now at GHS350, and quicker processing times, bringing relief to many citizens.
According to Ghana Web, despite these advancements, the reforms fall short if not accompanied by changes in the birth certificate process. A birth certificate remains the primary requirement for obtaining a passport, and acquiring one is fraught with difficulties. The Births and Deaths Registry in Ghana is plagued with inefficiencies and corruption, often requiring individuals to pay bribes to secure this essential document.
The previous passport application system was marred by delays and corruption, with applicants facing long waiting periods unless they resorted to bribery. The introduction of technology and stricter oversight has alleviated some of these issues, yet the root problem persists at the birth certificate level.
The necessity to reform the entire pipeline, starting from birth certificate issuance, is evident. The current process demands an overhaul, as obtaining a biometric birth certificate is a cumbersome process, often necessitating bribes, which highlights the systemic inefficiencies within the Births and Deaths Registry.
For Ghana to truly advance, reforms must be comprehensive, addressing each stage in the process. Digitalisation and streamlining of the Births and Deaths Registry are imperative to ensure that every Ghanaian receives a valid birth certificate effortlessly, eliminating corruption and middlemen. The success of the passport reforms should not overshadow the need for holistic growth and reform across all related systems.