The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has inaugurated a Passport Application Centre (PAC) in Techiman, the Bono East Regional capital.
The new centre is expected to improve access to passport services for residents in the region which is been described as one of the country’s commercial hubs.
At the inauguration on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, James Gyakye Quayson, said the new centre was in line with the government’s broader passport reform programme aimed at ensuring equitability, easy accessibility and efficiency in the acquisition of passports by all Ghanaians.
Before the inauguration of the new facility, chiefs and people of the region had to travel to Sunyani in the Bono Region or Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to access passport services.
Reduce exploitation
Mr Quayson said the facility represented a fundamental transformation of passports administration and innovative systems that reduced the burden and exploitation by middlemen.
He explained that the centre would help safeguard the integrity of the Ghanaian passport and boost the socio-economic activities in the newly created region.
“Techiman occupies a unique and strategic position in Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
“As one of West Africa’s most vibrant and commercial hubs, the municipality serves as a gateway to the northern and southern corridors of the country,” Mr Quayson said.
He said due to the strategic location of the region, it was both logical and timely that, passport services were brought closer to the people to support the region in expanding domestic and international engagements.
Mr Quayson added that “For many years, residents in the region were compelled to travel far distances to access passport services”.
The situation, he said undoubtedly imposed financial burdens, disrupted economic activities, and in some instances, discouraged legitimate international travels for trade, education and professional advancements, among others.
According to him, the establishment of the Techiman PAC was a direct response to the growing demands of traders, transport operators, exporters and students in the region.
Appreciation
The Nifahene of the Techiman Traditional Council, Nana Boakye Ameyaw Pentemprem, lauded the government for establishing the centre in the region.
He explained that the inauguration of the facility would help bring a great relief to the chiefs and people of the region.
Nana Ameyaw Pentemprem also commended the government for fulfilling such a major campaign promise and called for more of such development in the region.
“We all know, every citizen has a right to acquire a passport. However passport acquisition has since become burdensome for people in the region.
Nana Pentemprem said “The inauguration of this facility means a lot to the people in this region”.
Development
For his part, the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, said for the past few months, the region had benefited a series of developmental projects under the current administration.
He further pledged the government’s resolve and commitment to invest heavily in the development of the region, particularly infrastructure to reduce its deficit.
Mr Antwi said the establishment of the new facility was testament to the government’s commitment to bring services, particularly passport services closer to the people in the region.
He stated that President John Dramani Mahama led administration was focused and committed to improve the region’s infrastructure development.
Mr Antwi stated that “This will help improve access to essential services in the newly created region”.
Writer’s email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh
Source:
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