The Director of Passports, Mr Yahaya Amantana Mahama, has reportedly been interdicted as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs investigates allegations surrounding the acquisition of a service passport and other related matters.
The development follows a petition submitted by a prominent Ghanaian pastor, whose name has been withheld, and his wife. The petition prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a five-member investigative committee on October 13, 2026, to examine the issues raised.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Sets Up Investigative Committee
The committee is chaired by Ambassador Alexander Grant and includes Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia, Madam Caroline Oppong Ntiri, Jeswuni Abudu, Audrey Abayage and Nana Yaa Wadee.
The panel has been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the passport-related petition and making findings to guide the Ministry’s next steps.
However, concerns have reportedly been raised about the impartiality, independence and credibility of the committee’s chairman, Ambassador Alexander Grant.
Allegations suggest that Ambassador Grant has a particularly close relationship with the interdicted Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, and may have acted in ways that protect his interests. These claims have raised questions about the committee’s ability to conduct an independent and impartial investigation.
Francis Danti Kotia Reportedly Takes Over Passport Directorate
Meanwhile, information gathered by MyNewsGh.com indicates that Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia has been assigned to act as Director of Passports while investigations into the matter continue.
His reported appointment is expected to ensure continuity in the operations of the Passport Office until the investigative process is concluded.
Minority Raises Allegations of Diplomatic Passport Sales
The development also comes amid allegations by the Minority in Parliament that Ghanaian diplomatic passports are allegedly being sold for amounts ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, a Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, reportedly raised the issue on the floor of the House, claiming that evidence exists to support the allegations.
” As we speak today, there is evidence, unimpeachable evidence, that today diplomatic passports are being sold, Mr Speaker,” he stated.
The allegations have added to public scrutiny of Ghana’s passport administration system and calls for transparency and accountability in the issuance of diplomatic and service passports.
The outcome of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the petition, the interdiction of the Director of Passports and the broader concerns surrounding the issuance of Ghanaian passports.
Source: newsthemegh.com