‘Akufo-Addo’s Administration Completed Chip-Embedded Passport Initiative Before Leaving Office’ – Minority Clarifies
The Minority in Parliament has declared that the previous administration under President Akufo-Addo successfully implemented the mass rollout of chip-embedded passports.
In a statement dated May 7 and signed by Samuel A. Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Caucus clarified that this initiative originated from the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and was the result of years of careful planning, procurement, and execution.
Jinapor emphasized that the current government should not be credited for this initiative, countering recent narratives suggesting otherwise. He elaborated on the timeline and policy decisions that contributed to the establishment and successful launch of the chip-embedded biometric passport program, describing recent attempts to reintroduce the initiative as “unnecessary” and a distortion of the facts.
“Every essential aspect of the chip-embedded passport programme, from policy formulation to contract execution and logistical delivery, was meticulously completed by the Akufo-Addo Government before it was handed over on January 7, 2025,” part of the statement firmly stated.
“It is therefore, through the hard work and dedication of the Akufo-Addo Government which oversaw the planning, procurement and execution of the Project that has led to Ghana issuing electronic chip-embedded passports,” it added.
The statement pointed out that the project originated from the 2013 ICAO TRIP Strategy, which advocated for the adoption of electronic travel documents. While initial discussions took place under previous administrations, he argued that it was the Akufo-Addo government that took decisive action in 2017 to advance the project as part of its digitalization agenda.
The Ranking Member, through the statement, provided details on the competitive selection process that resulted in the partnership with 25th Century Technology Limited and Buck Press Limited, who joined forces to create Biometric Travel Solutions Limited for the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
According to Jinapor, by December 2, 2024, then-President Akufo-Addo had officially launched the chip-embedded passports, with high-ranking officials receiving the first batch. At that time, 50,000 booklets were already available, with an additional order of 200,000 in place, setting the stage for a smooth nationwide rollout.
He criticized what he referred to as a “purported re-launch” by the current administration, describing it as “an unnecessary burden on the public purse” and detrimental to institutional integrity.
“We, the Minority Members on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, remain committed to upholding the integrity of our nation and defending her interest, both at home and abroad, and will continue to set the record straight where necessary”, the statement assured.
Read Full Statement Below:
By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis
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