Bolgatanga, Feb. 12, GNA - Mr. Nelson Ayamga Mba, Regional Information Officer in charge of the Upper East Region has stated that the introduction of the Biometric Passport which would commence on April 1, 2010 would help protect the image of the country.

He stated this when his outfit in collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service jointly organized a public education forum for government organizations including district assemblies and tertiary institutions in the region.

He explained that under the old system of acquiring passport, there were a number of fraudulent activities associated with it because some people could manipulate it to generate fake passports. Mr Mba said the country's reputation was at stake as many foreigners through dubious means acquired Ghanaian passports. Under the Biometric Passport system, only genuine passports would be issued out, he said.

The Ghanaian Biometric Passport is a counter-fraud measure being introduced to prevent identity theft and fraud. It would also give easy verification of identities and proof of ownership.

Mr. Mba explained that under the new system, it would carry the biological information that link the holder to the document and said the biological features would include the finger print, eyes and facial requirements.

The Regional Director of Information entreated people to get themselves in involved in the exercise by going through the necessary procedures of acquiring the Passport to avoid being prosecuted. Mr. Peter Defie, the Upper East Regional Commander in charge of the Immigration Service, stated that Ghanaian citizens could obtain application forms at a designated bank, post office or other sales points and fill them and attach all the required documents as listed in the form and submit it to the nearest passport application centre, where the biometric data would be taken.

He said the applications in the meantime would be submitted in seven areas including two areas in Greater Accra Region, one each in Tamale, Ho, Kumasi, Sunyani as well as some Ghanaian Missions abroad. He stated that under the new passport system it would take fifteen days for one to acquire it and three days if one wants it to be expedited. Mr Defie said under the requirement applicants would not be allowed to submit passport forms on behalf of others, nor would someone be allowed to collect passports on behalf of others. 12 Feb 10