Obtaining a Ghanaian passport is an essential requirement for legal travel outside the country. Until recently, the process of applying for a passport in Ghana was quite daunting, involving long queues and various manual procedures.
However, in 2016, the Ghanaian government launched an online platform to simplify and expedite the application process. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Ghanaian passport online in 2023, eliminating the need for middlemen and the frustration of the manual application process.
The Importance of a Ghanaian Passport
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the significance of possessing a Ghanaian passport.
This official document serves as proof of Ghanaian citizenship and allows holders to travel freely to other countries under the protection of the Ghanaian government.
Whether you’re a student, businessperson, or a traveler exploring new horizons, having a Ghanaian passport is a crucial asset.
The Evolution from Manual to Online Passport Application
In the past, acquiring a Ghanaian passport involved purchasing a physical application form from the passport office, enduring long queues, and making various appointments.
This cumbersome process gave rise to middlemen taking advantage of unsuspecting applicants.
However, with the introduction of the online platform, the process has been streamlined, enabling applicants to complete the entire procedure from the comfort of their homes.
Essential Documents for Online Passport Application
Before initiating the online application, it’s essential to gather all the required documents.
As a first-time applicant, you’ll need the following:
- Birth certificate as proof of Ghanaian citizenship.
- Ghana card and other identity documents, such as your driver’s license, voter’s ID, or any relevant work-related ID card.
- Students can use their student ID as proof of profession, while workers and business owners must provide respective work-related documents.
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How to Apply Ghana Passport Online for the first Time
1 Registering as a New User on Ghana.Gov
- To begin the application process, visit the official Ghana passport website (passport.mfa.gov.gh).
- Click on “New User Register Here.” Provide your personal details, including your first name, last name, valid phone number, email address, and password.
Making the Payment
Once registered, log in using your credentials and click on “Make Payment” if you haven’t purchased a voucher before.
Choose the appropriate application type and follow the payment instructions.
Application types and their prices
| Passport Type | Number of pages | Price |
| Expedited Application | 48 | GHS 200 |
| Expedited Application | 32 | GHS 150 |
| Standard Application | 48 | GHS 150 |
| Standard Application | 32 | GHS 100 |
The online platform accepts various payment options, including mobile money, making the process efficient and hassle-free.
Completing the Application Form
After payment, the application form will be available for you to fill within a few minutes.
Enter your details accurately, ensuring they match the information on your birth certificate and Ghana card, this is very important.
Information that will be asked
- Applicant Details
- Name
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- City and Country of Birth
- Height
- Colour of eyes and hair
- Visible peculiarities
- Nationality
- Marital Status
- Mandatory document to present (Birth Cert, Dual Citizenship card, National ID card, Naturalization card, Passport, Registration card, Voters ID)
- Document Number
- Date of Issue
- Place of Issue
- Profession
- National ID/Social Security/Voter ID
- Country of Residence, ZIP/Post Code, City of Residence, Suburb, Street Name, House Number, Digital Address code, Postal Address
- Phone number and Email address
- Education
- Name of Institution
- Period from and Period to
- Address
- Citizenship
- Father Details: Full name, Nationality, Living status, Hometown, Telephone, email (if any), Residential and Postal address.
- Mother Details: Full name, Nationality, Living status, Hometown, Telephone, email (if any), Residential and Postal address
- Grandparent Details: Full name, Nationality, Living status, Hometown, Telephone, email (if any), Residential and Postal address
- 2 Guarantors
- Full name, Occupation, Residential Address, Postal Address, Telephone and Email if any.
- Witness
- Full name, Occupation, Position, Business Phone, Personal Phone, Residential Address, Business Address, ID Card, ID number, Date and Place Issued.
Booking an Appointment
Choose the appropriate Ghana passport application center and book an appointment on the available date.
This step ensures that you can submit your application and complete the biometric process efficiently.
How to Check Your Ghana Passport Online
After successful application of your Ghana Passport online, it is very important to check the status of your application, whether it is ready or not.
The readiness depends on the type of passport you choose; the expedited passport normally takes about two weeks or less while the standard application takes about four weeks.
Note that these dates are not precise since it can be more or less than the expected time.
How to Check your Passport Application status Online
- Go to passport.mfa.gov.gh
- Login in with your email/phone number and password
- On your dashboard, click on “View all applications“.
- Then click on the “History” tab.
- Check the information there to see whether your passport is ready or not.
In most cases, the status of your application is delayed or does not work. So I will encourage you to check the passport office you chose frequently to check the status of your application.
How Do I Renew my Ghana Passport Online
If your passport has expired or your pages has finished and want to renew it, then you are at the right place.
The renewal process is almost the same as the new application process.
When you want to renew your Ghana passport online, at the first application step, choose your preferred Renewal option.
The next stages are the same of as the application process above.
Conclusion
Applying for a Ghanaian passport has become more accessible and less time-consuming, thanks to the online platform introduced by the government. By following our step-by-step guide, you can now apply for a Ghanaian passport from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for middlemen and long queues. Obtain your Ghanaian passport and explore the world with confidence!
