The centres, which offered expedited passport processing for applicants willing to pay additional fees, will no longer operate, prompting travellers and tourists to plan ahead.
The ministry said the closures are part of a broader effort to streamline passport services and improve efficiency across the country’s immigration system.
“All passport applicants, particularly clients with pending applications at the afore-mentioned Premium Passport Application Centres are hereby advised to access the Regional Passport Application Centres for the processing of their applications or contact the Passport Office Client Service Unit for assistance.” the statement said
Premium centres closure could delay travel plans
Premium passport centres were introduced to speed up processing for business travellers, diplomats, students, and tourists requiring quick access to travel documents.
In Accra and Kumasi, these centres handled thousands of applications monthly, significantly reducing wait times compared with standard offices. Their closure may therefore delay travel plans for tourists and last-minute travellers, particularly during peak travel periods.
Travel agents and tour operators have raised concerns that the closure could affect holiday and business travel, as international flights often require valid passports with sufficient processing lead time.
The ministry is encouraging applicants to submit passport requests well in advance of departure and to use regional offices, which will now handle all applications.
Officials said the closures are temporary and part of a larger plan to integrate premium services into existing regional offices while enhancing digital systems.
The government is also using this opportunity to upgrade security protocols and modernize application processes, aiming for a more consistent and reliable passport service across Ghana.
For tourists and business travellers, the key takeaway is clear: allow extra processing time for passport applications and stay informed through official ministry updates to avoid last-minute complications.
