The Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs has conducted a series of assessments at key institutions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, including the Ministry headquarters, Passport Office, and the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The visit aimed to evaluate operational challenges and identify areas for improvement within these agencies.
During a briefing session at the Ministry, Chief Director Ambassador Ramses J. Cleland emphasized the importance of adapting to an evolving geopolitical landscape, underscoring its implications for Ghana’s national interest.
He highlighted gaps in border security, stressing the urgent need to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and develop anticipatory threat models to fortify national defenses.
At the Accra Passport Office, Director Felix Nyarku outlined reforms in the passport application process, announcing the launch of a 24-hour service to enhance efficiency.
Despite these advancements, he raised concern over discrepancies in applicants’ identification documents, noting that inconsistencies between Ghana Cards and birth certificates often cause processing delays.
During the committee’s final stop at the AIC, officials presented a detailed overview of the centre’s operational hurdles and appealed for additional support to sustain its role as a leading venue for international engagements.
The Chairman of the Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, commended the agencies for their dedication to national service.
“We are grateful for the concerns you have shared and thankful for the opportunity to engage with you,”he stated, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to ensuring Ghana maintains its strong presence on the African continent.
