The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of allowing the misuse of diplomatic and service passports, saying the privileges could be exploited by those involved in illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking. Director of Communications Dennis Miracles Aboagye told Eyewitness News on Friday, October 30, that holders of such passports enjoy separate queues and certificates that facilitate smooth passage through airports, potentially allowing offenders to evade normal immigration scrutiny.
Mr Aboagye questioned how Ghanaians arrested abroad on drug charges were able to pass through airports without attracting attention, noting that diplomatic and service passport holders receive special treatment at places like Dakar International Airport. He raised concerns that the alleged irregularities in issuing these documents could be linked to the growing number of Ghanaians detained overseas for narcotics offences.
The party’s petition to the United States seeks the suspension of diplomatic courtesies for Ghanaian holders of diplomatic and service passports it claims were irregularly issued. It alleges that six individuals named in approval letters from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in August 2026 do not hold the positions attributed to them, while two cited positions do not exist. Mr Aboagye also said some people paid between $10,000 and $30,000 to obtain diplomatic passports, questioning the motives behind such payments.
He urged the government to account for all diplomatic and service passport holders, explain the basis for their eligibility, and publish details of all passports issued since January 2025, including beneficiaries’ names, official positions and justifications. The NPP warned that the alleged conduct could damage Ghana’s international reputation and expose ordinary citizens to increased scrutiny by foreign diplomatic missions.
Further action by the party will depend on the government’s response to these allegations and whether it can demonstrate that the issuance process remains transparent and compliant with international norms.
