Passport Scandal: Amantana Could Be Cleared as Suspect Admits Forging Official Signature

The interdicted Acting Director of Passports, Mahama Yahaya Amantana, could potentially be cleared of wrongdoing in the alleged sale of diplomatic and Service Passports after a key suspect reportedly admitted to forging an official's signature to facilitate the scheme.

Information attributed to a source close to the investigative committee suggests that Amantana's signature does not appear on the official correspondence and documents relating to the passport applications under investigation.

The source further claims that the Acting Director was outside Ghana on May 22, June 30 and August 28, 2026, when the diplomatic and Service Passports in question were reportedly requested, approved and issued.

These developments could have significant implications for the investigation, which is examining an alleged passport-for-sale scheme believed to have operated since 2023.

However, the committee's final findings will be important in establishing the extent of each individual's involvement and determining whether Amantana bears any responsibility.

Presidential Aide at the Office of the President, Dr Samuel Ayeh, has disclosed that a suspect identified only as Walle confessed to forging the signature of a former Chief Director to secure Service Passports.

Speaking on JoyNews on Monday, November 9, 2026, Dr Ayeh said the suspect made the admission before the committee investigating the alleged scheme.

According to him, Walle admitted to repeatedly practising the former Chief Director's signature to make the forged documents appear authentic.

“He has confessed to the committee that they actually forged the signature of the chief director at the time to secure the service passport. He says that he practised it several times to make sure that it happens,” Dr Ayeh said.

He further alleged that the suspect explained how the group obtained the former Chief Director's official letterhead, which was allegedly used to facilitate the forgery.

Dr Ayeh identified another individual, named as Sumana Alhassan, as the person allegedly responsible for obtaining the letterhead.

“He said that they got the letter, the letterhead of the chief director, and all the people involved in this whole activity. He made sure that Sumana Alhassan was the one in charge of making sure that he got the letterhead so that they could forge the signatures and issue it to the passport office to get it,” he added.

Dr Ayeh also indicated that an audio recording of the alleged confession was available to the committee.

Dr Ayeh outlined the timeline of the investigation, saying the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, received a petition on October 8, 2026, and constituted an investigative committee the following day.

He said the committee had begun taking statements from witnesses by October 13.

“This is a minister who receives a petition on 8th October. By 9th October, he has set up a committee to investigate the matter. By 13th October, witnesses have started speaking on the matter,” he explained.

He added that the committee's report was expected to be made public the following week.

The investigation followed a petition submitted by a Ghanaian pastor, whose identity has been withheld, and his wife, concerning the acquisition of a Service Passport and related matters.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently constituted an investigative committee, chaired by Ambassador Alexander Grant, to examine the allegations.

Other members named in the committee include Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia, Caroline Oppong Ntiri, Jeswuni Abudu, Audrey Abayage and Nana Yaa Wadee.

The investigation follows an earlier announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it had cancelled 10 Service Passports allegedly issued to individuals who did not meet the eligibility requirements.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Ministry said preliminary investigations had uncovered an alleged criminal network involved in facilitating the unlawful issuance of Service Passports in exchange for money.

The Ministry disclosed that two officials, including Acting Director of Passports Mahama Yahaya Amantana, had been interdicted pending the investigation.

A junior Foreign Service Officer, Alhassan Sumani, identified in the petitions as the alleged chief architect of the scheme, was also interdicted.

The two officers were subsequently referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and possible prosecution.

According to the Ministry, the investigation was triggered by two petitions concerning the alleged irregular issuance of Service Passports to people who were not eligible to receive them.

One petitioner reportedly alleged paying US$29,000 in 2023, while another claimed that US$5,000 was paid to individuals connected to the alleged arrangement in 2026.

The Ministry's preliminary findings reportedly established that 10 individuals who did not qualify for Service Passports obtained the documents through the alleged scheme.

The individuals named in the Ministry's statement are:

1. Richard Sakyi Apenteng

2. Augustina Agyei Boateng

3. Juliet Amankwa

4. Rebecca Agyeiwaa

5. Prince Ahensah

6. Maybel Ahensah

7. Twumasi Francis Kwame

8. Gyabaah Anthony

9. Frederick Ennin

10. Bosompem Richard

The Ministry said the passports were issued between January 2023 and August 2026.

While the alleged confession and questions surrounding the official signatures could influence the direction of the investigation, the committee's final report and any subsequent police findings will be crucial in determining responsibility.