The Minority in Parliament is preparing to file a motion seeking the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of the sale and irregular issuance of Diplomatic and Service Passports.
The proposed committee is expected to examine passport approvals and issuances from January 7, 2025, to the date the motion is adopted, while accessing earlier records where necessary.
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, announced the move at a media briefing on Sunday, November 8. He said the investigation would establish the number of passports legitimately issued, identify those obtained irregularly and determine the officials responsible for any breaches.
Mr Abu Jinapor said the committee should comprise members from both sides of the House and be granted the full investigative powers of Parliament to ensure a thorough examination of the allegations.
Citing Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, he noted that parliamentary committees have the authority to investigate the activities and administration of ministries and government departments.
He said the proposed committee should also be empowered to summon witnesses, examine them under oath, demand relevant documents and request the examination of witnesses outside Ghana.
“The committee is ideally supposed to work as an investigative institution with all the necessary powers of Parliament to dispassionately and patriotically unravel this alleged scheme that has compromised our diplomatic and service passports system,” he said.
The Minority wants the committee to access passport applications, institutional recommendations, approval letters, issuance and collection records, payment details and relevant communications.
It is also proposing an examination of electronic records to identify officials who processed and approved the applications and determine whether passport details were subsequently altered.
Among those expected to appear before the committee are the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Ministry’s Chief Director, the interdicted Director of Passports, identified agents, relevant passport and immigration officials, as well as individuals who obtained the passports.
Mr Abu Jinapor said the investigation should expose weaknesses in the passport approval and issuance processes and establish accountability for any wrongdoing.
He added that the committee should recommend disciplinary action, the recovery of funds and criminal investigations where necessary. It is also expected to propose changes to existing laws and procedures to prevent similar abuses in the future.
The Minority believes the proposed parliamentary investigation would help establish the facts surrounding the alleged passport scheme, identify those responsible and outline the necessary measures to address any wrongdoing.
