MFA hands over first batch of replacement passports to flood victims

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distributed the first batch of replacement passports to individuals who lost or had their passports damaged during the severe flooding that affected parts of Accra on June 29, 2026.

The presentation ceremony took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Accra on Friday, July 17, 2026, as part of a special initiative launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to provide affected victims with new passports at no cost.

Representing the Minister at the event, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Ambassador Khadija Idrissu, led the ceremony alongside the Coordinating Director for Political and Economic Affairs, Ambassador Harold Adlai Agyeman; the Coordinating Director for Multilateral and International Organisations, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia; and the Head of the Delivery Unit, Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa.

Addressing attendees, Ambassador Idrissu said the Ministry received about 500 applications after announcing on July 3, 2026, that flood victims whose passports had been destroyed or damaged could apply for free replacements. She explained that each application is being carefully verified to ensure applicants meet the eligibility requirements.

According to her, the 100 passports presented at the ceremony represent the first phase of the exercise, with additional batches expected to be issued once the remaining applications have been fully screened and approved.

She stated that the intervention, which is being funded entirely by the Ministry as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting citizens affected by the disaster. Ambassador Idrissu also applauded Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for spearheading the initiative and commended staff of the Ministry and the Passport Office for their dedication in ensuring the applications were processed promptly.