Ghanaian opposition lawmakers are demanding a parliamentary inquiry into allegations that a foreign ministry cartel sold illegal diplomatic and service passports for between $10k and $50k to unqualified individuals.
The scandal centers on allegations that up to 300 individuals traveled to Europe and other destinations using privileged travel documents obtained through fraudulent government appointments, bbc.com reported on November 9, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by interdicting the acting director of passports and a junior officer while referring two others to the police.
Key Passport Scandal Metrics
- Price Range: $10k to $50k per passport, according to opposition allegations.
- Volume: Approximately 300 individuals allegedly used the documents to travel abroad.
- Official Action: 10 service passports canceled so far, with international partners alerted.
Jinapor Alleges Officials Used Fake Positions for Travel Documents
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the ranking member on the Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, stated during a news conference on November 8, 2026, that officials collected fake government positions to issue the privileged travel documents. According to bbc.com, the opposition presented receipts and transaction IDs allegedly tied to the illicit network.
During a parliamentary session, Jinapor alleged that intermediaries within the passport office and foreign ministry operated the scheme. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin ordered the lawmaker to withdraw the claims or leave the chamber unless concrete evidence was provided.
The minority party intends to file a motion for parliament to investigate applications, approval letters, bank deposits, and mobile money transactions. The investigation will also examine the specific roles of the foreign minister, chief director, and other passport officers.
Foreign Ministry Interdicts Staff Following Investigation into Passport Cartel
The Ghana Foreign Ministry confirmed the ongoing investigation after receiving petitions against departmental staff, according to bbc.com. Acting Director of Passports Mahama Yahaya Amantana was interdicted following an initial petition filed on October 8, 2026.
Alhassan Sumani, a junior foreign service officer, was also interdicted after being named as a participant in the arrangement. The ministry confirmed that two additional officers were referred to the Ghana Police Service for formal investigation and prosecution.
Authorities verified that 10 service passports issued through the cartel in 2023 were canceled. The ministry stated that international partners have been alerted to prevent the use of these invalidated documents.
Scope of Privileged Passports Under Ghanaian Law
Under Section 6 of the Passports and Travel Certificate Act of 1967 (NLCD 155), diplomatic passports are strictly reserved for specific state officials, diplomatic officers, heads of official delegations, and high-profile citizens. Spouses of high-ranking public officers are also covered under the legislation.
Service passports, governed by Section 7 of the same Act, are designated exclusively for public officers and citizens traveling strictly on official state business. Unlike standard 10-year passports available to all citizens, service passports remain tied directly to active government employment.
While the opposition alleged that diplomatic passports were also compromised, the foreign ministry denied those claims. The ministry maintained that current investigations are limited strictly to service passports.
Scandal Risks Damaging Ghana's International Standing
Foreign policy analyst Adib Saani warned that the controversy could damage Ghana’s international standing and invite stringent visa verifications from foreign governments. According to bbc.com, Saani stated that the situation risks projecting institutional tolerance for corruption.
“Dis passport-for-sale scandal go hurt Ghana credibility” said foreign policy analyst Adib Saani.
However, Saani acknowledged that the rapid cancellation of forged documents and independent investigations could help reassure international partners. The foreign ministry stated that the cartel operated prior to the current government’s term starting in 2025.
| Metric / Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Alleged Bribe Range | $10k – $50k per passport |
| Estimated Travel Volume | Up to 300 individuals |
| Canceled Documents | 10 service passports from 2023 |
| Legal Framework | Passports and Travel Certificate Act, 1967 (NLCD 155) |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
