Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said Ghanacard holders will no longer apply separately for a passport when he is given the nod to be the President.
The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party said this while he was addressing Ghanaians on Wednesday, February 7 at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies.
Currently, holders of the Ghanacard still have to file an online application for the passport but Dr. Bawumia noted that when he assumes office this will no longer exist.
According to him, a holder of the Ghanacard will automatically have an issuance access for a passport and would only need to make payment without applying for it.
“Any Ghanacard holder will only have to pay a fee for a passport. If you a holder of a Ghanacard, you will not need to apply separately for a passport. You just provide Your Ghanacard number and pay the fee through your mobile phone.
“This is because the Ghanacard contains all the information and biometrics required for a regular passport. Your passport can then be delivered to your home using your digital address,” the Vice President said.
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The Vice-President’s plan is to allow for easy acquisition of passports for Ghanaians.
He said so far about 4.5 million Ghanaians have passport while 17 million people are enrolled on the Ghanacard.
He added that government has also secured visa free travel to some countries for the benefit of businesses.