The Minority in Parliament is calling for an ad hoc committee to investigate claims that Diplomatic and Service Passports were sold or issued improperly.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Minority plans to submit a motion asking Parliament to review every passport approval and issuance from January 7, 2025, up to the date the motion is adopted.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, November 8, he said the committee should determine how many passports were issued lawfully, uncover any irregularities, and identify officials responsible for any breaches.
He said the inquiry should review passport applications, approval letters, payment and collection records, and electronic messages connected to the passports’ issuance.
Mr Jinapor said the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ministry’s Chief Director, the suspended Director of Passports, identified agents, and people who received the passports should appear before the committee and support its investigation.
He referred to Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, which gives parliamentary committees the authority to investigate the work of ministries and government departments.
He also said the committee should recommend disciplinary measures, the recovery of funds, or criminal investigations if it finds evidence of wrongdoing.
“We are asking for the evidence to be examined through a full parliamentary inquiry, with members from both sides of the House taking part,” he said.