Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has said the Ghana Card is only an alternative travel document to the country’s current biometric passport and not a replacement.
According to the minister, the Ghana passport and travel certificate are the only internationally recognised documents for Ghanaian travellers.
Responding to questions from the Minority leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu with regards to the Ghana Card being used as an e-passport, Tuesday, 14 June 2022, the Minister said: “It is not. By its definition, it is not.
“The Ghana Card is not a replacement for our current biometric passport. Ghana Card may serve as an optional travel document to be used in tandem with our biometric passport.”
She continued: “It must be underscored that the passport, together with the travel certificate is the only approved travel document for the Ghanaian, they are internationally recognised.”
The Minister further disclosed that the Ghana Card cannot be used as a travel document to other Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) countries.
“At the moment, the GhanaCard cannot be used for travel to other countries either outside of ECOWAS as that will require bilateral agreement with countries for their authorities to accept the card as a travel document.
“The Ministry is in active discussion with ECOWAS member states and our bilateral partners to achieve this,” Ms Botchwey stated.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) had in February 2022, announced that beginning Tuesday, 1 March, the Ghana Card would be accepted for nationals and dual nationals returning to the country.
Reacting to this, however, the Minister explained to Parliament that: “In light of the announcement by the Ghana Immigration Service titled ‘Notice to the Public: Use of Ghana Card as a travel document which was dated 24th of February, Ghanaian and dual national holders of Ghana Card would be able to travel to Ghana using the Ghana Card.”
