Ghana to introduce chip-embedded passports
The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry has disclosed its plans to now issue a chip embedded passport a move away from the current biometric system as part of reforms in its service delivery.
This move according to the Minister, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey will enhance the security features of passports.
“Plans are far advanced for Ghana to migrate from the current biometric passport system to a CHIP embedded passport. The CHIP embedded passport project is being undertaken through a public-private partnership agreement. The agreement is currently being considered by the Ministry of Finance and the rollout is said to be done in the course of the year. The introduction of the new system will largely enhance the security features of our passports in line with the standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization”, the Minister said.
President Akufo-Addo during the campaign promised to introduce the chip embedded passport in Ghana should he win power to run the country for a second term.
The introduction of this kind of passport is to be abreast with technological advancement and improve the security of the Ghanaian passport
the Chip-embedded in other words a biometric passport is a traditional passport that has an embedded electronic microprocessor chip that contains biometric information that can be used to verify the identity of the passport holder.
It also depends on a contactless smart card technology, which includes a microprocessor chip (computer chip) and antenna (for both power to the chip and communication) embedded in the front or back cover, or center page, of the passport.
For the past two years government has embarked on a number of initiatives to facilitate the process of passport acquisition for Ghanaians such as the online passport application and downloadable Portable Document Format (PDF) passport application forms.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
