Reported by GhanaCrimes Newsroom·2 min read
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has begun investigating alleged corruption and irregularities in the issuance of Ghanaian Diplomatic and Service Passports, according to a statement it issued on Monday 9 November 2026.
The OSP said it was examining "allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences" linked to claims that unqualified people obtained the passports through payments to individuals within the passport administration system. It said the investigation would seek to establish the roles of those involved, trace the alleged payments and examine the approval and issuance processes.
The probe follows preliminary findings by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which identified 10 Service Passports allegedly issued irregularly between January 2023 and August 2026. The ministry also received two petitions alleging payments of US$29,000 and US$5,000 in connection with the scheme, and.
Two serving officers have been interdicted and referred to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and possible prosecution, and the 10 passports have reportedly been cancelled. The conduct of a former Director of Passports during the period is also expected to be examined. No one has been charged.
The Minority in Parliament has claimed that about 300 people travelled abroad on documents allegedly obtained through the arrangement. The ministry says its preliminary findings concern Service Passports and that no evidence has so far emerged that Diplomatic Passports were sold.
Separately, presidential aide Dr Samuel Ayeh told journalists that one suspect had admitted forging a signature to secure Service Passports. GhanaCrimes has not seen that account confirmed by the police or the OSP, and it has not been tested in court.
The OSP said further information would be disclosed where appropriate without compromising the investigation.
