Some Ghanaians are alleged to have paid as much as US$29,000 to obtain a service passport, a government-issued travel document that offers holders access to several countries without the usual visa application process.

The revelation, contained in a November 8, 2026 statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has brought the document into the spotlight and raised questions about the privileges attached to it.

The Ministry said one petitioner claimed to have paid US$29,000 in 2023, while another alleged paying US$5,000 in 2026.

What is a service passport, and why are people paying US$29,000 for one?

Some Ghanaians are alleged to have paid as much as US$29,000 to obtain a service passport, a government-issued travel document that offers holders access to several countries without the usual visa application process.

The revelation, contained in a November 8, 2026, statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has brought the document into the spotlight and raised questions about the privileges attached to it.

The Ministry said one petitioner claimed to have paid US$29,000 in 2023, while another alleged that they paid US$5,000 in 2026.

But what exactly is a service passport, who qualifies for one, and what makes it so attractive to people seeking to travel abroad?

The revelations have drawn attention to the service passport and the travel privileges that make it attractive.

What is a service passport?

A service passport is an official travel document issued by the government to public servants and other designated individuals travelling abroad on government business.

Official data from the Passport Office indicates that Ghana issued 1,397 service passports between 2009 and 2016, while 3,174 were issued from 2017 to 2024. A further 754 have been issued from 2025 to date, bringing the total to 5,325.

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A service passport identifies the holder as someone representing their country or a government institution and informs immigration and customs officials in destination countries that the person is travelling on official business.

In Ghana, its issuance is governed by Section 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155). It provides for special passports for public officers and other eligible individuals undertaking official assignments abroad who do not qualify for diplomatic passports.

Unlike an ordinary passport, which Ghanaians use for holidays, business trips, studies and other personal travel, a service passport is meant strictly for official assignments. It is not intended for private or leisure trips.

What are its benefits?

One of the biggest attractions of a service passport is that holders benefit from visa-waiver arrangements between Ghana and several countries, allowing them to travel to eligible destinations without going through the usual visa application process.

This means holders can travel to certain destinations without going through the usual visa application process, depending on the conditions of the agreement between Ghana and the destination country.

In Ghana, holders can travel to up to 59 countries without obtaining visas.

For frequent international travellers, this can be a major advantage. Visa applications often involve paperwork, fees, appointments and the possibility of rejection. Visa-free access removes some of these hurdles and makes travel to eligible destinations easier.

Holders typically receive expedited processing through customs, immigration and border control checkpoints to facilitate efficient state business.

It removes the need for standard visa application procedures, associated fees and waiting times.

The document also provides official recognition for its holder when undertaking government assignments abroad. It informs foreign immigration and customs authorities that the individual is travelling on behalf of the Ghanaian government or an authorised institution.

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