Majority accuses Akufo-Addo administration of facilitating passport racketeering

The Majority in Parliament has accused the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration of facilitating an alleged service passport racketeering scheme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claiming the practice dates back to 2023.

The Majority alleges that the former administration recruited Alhassan Sumani, whom it describes as a former goro boy, into the Ministry towards the end of its tenure to enable him to maintain his alleged involvement in the irregular issuance of service passports.

Speaking to Citi News, the Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Cletus Dapilah, urged the Minority Caucus to exercise responsibility in its oversight role instead of politicising the ongoing investigations.

Mr. Dapilah alleged that Mr. Sumani was recruited on November 29, 2024, shortly before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration left office. He claimed the appointment was intended to preserve the individual's influence within the Ministry.

“The NPP is funny. They are funny because you formed a cabal under your watch to perpetuate passport racketeering.

“Way back in your regime, you had that Alhassan Sumani guy as a goro boy working within Ministry staff…When they were exiting power, they recruited the guy,” he said.

The comments come amid growing controversy over allegations of the sale and irregular issuance of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports.

The Minority has accused officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Passport Office of facilitating the alleged sale of the travel documents to individuals who do not qualify for them.

It has also raised concerns that hundreds of Ghanaians may have travelled abroad using passports allegedly obtained through the arrangement.

The allegations have triggered investigations by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, resulting in the interdiction of the Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, and Foreign Service Officer Alhassan Sumani.

Both officials have also been referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and possible prosecution.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that its preliminary investigation centres on the alleged irregular issuance of service passports.

It has stated that no evidence has so far emerged to establish that Ghanaian diplomatic passports are being sold.

The Ministry has identified 10 service passports allegedly issued irregularly and cancelled all of them as part of measures to address the concerns raised.

Mr. Dapilah has also rejected calls by the Minority Caucus for Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged passport racketeering scheme.

He argued that the committee constituted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the mandate and capacity to investigate the allegations and establish the facts.

The controversy has intensified calls for accountability and transparency in the administration of Ghana's passport system, particularly regarding the eligibility criteria and procedures governing the issuance of diplomatic and service passports.

The outcome of the ongoing investigations is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregular issuance of the documents and determine whether any individuals or officials should face further action.