Akufo-Addo Admin.: Ghanaian Service Passport Irregularities Probe Reveals 10

• The Majority in Parliament has accused the former Akufo-Addo administration of facilitating alleged irregularities in Ghanaian Service Passport issuance since 2023.
• Preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs found 10 Service Passports were irregularly issued to unqualified individuals through an alleged syndicate.
• Acting Director of Passports Mahama Yahaya Amantana and Alhassan Sumani have been interdicted and referred to the Ghana Police Service for investigation.
• A parliamentary committee vice chairman alleged the previous administration recruited Alhassan Sumani, described as a "goro boy," to continue irregular passport activities.

The Majority in Parliament has leveled accusations against the former Akufo-Addo administration, claiming it facilitated alleged irregularities in the process of issuing Ghanaian Service Passports.

Ghana's political landscape is currently grappling with serious allegations concerning the issuance of official travel documents. The Majority in Parliament has leveled accusations against the former Akufo-Addo administration, claiming it facilitated alleged irregularities in the process of issuing Ghanaian Service Passports. These purported malpractices, according to the parliamentary group, trace their origins back to 2023.

Further substantiating these concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the initial findings of its internal inquiry. This preliminary investigation uncovered that a total of ten Service Passports were issued improperly to individuals who did not meet the necessary qualifications. The Ministry's probe also indicated that these irregular issuances were linked to alleged payments made to an organized syndicate, suggesting a coordinated effort behind the illicit activities.

In response to these findings, two key figures have faced immediate action. Mahama Yahaya Amantana, who served as the Acting Director of Passports, has been interdicted from his duties. Similarly, Alhassan Sumani has also been interdicted. Both individuals have been formally referred to the Ghana Police Service, where they will be subject to further investigations, potentially leading to prosecution for their alleged roles in the Ghana passport fraud investigation.

The accusations extend beyond mere procedural lapses, delving into the alleged involvement of the previous government. Cletus Dapilah, who holds the position of Vice Chairman of Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, has put forth specific allegations regarding Alhassan Sumani. Dapilah claimed that the former administration recruited Sumani into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the latter part of its tenure. He further characterized Sumani as a former "goro boy," a term often used to describe individuals who facilitate illicit transactions.

Dapilah's allegations suggest a deliberate strategy behind Sumani's recruitment. He asserted that the intention behind bringing Sumani into the Ministry was to allow him to persist in his alleged involvement with the irregular issuance of Service Passports. These Alhassan Sumani passport allegations underscore the depth of the concerns raised by the Ghana Parliament foreign affairs committee regarding potential systemic issues within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana passport issuance process.

The referral of Mahama Yahaya Amantana and Alhassan Sumani to the Ghana Police Service signals a significant escalation in the response to these alleged Ghanaian Service Passport irregularities Akufo-Addo. This move indicates that the authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, viewing it as a potential criminal offense rather than just an administrative oversight. The ongoing police investigation will aim to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's operations and identify all individuals involved in the alleged fraud.

The implications of these revelations are substantial, potentially affecting public trust in government institutions and the integrity of official documents. The focus on the former administration's alleged role, as highlighted by the Majority in Parliament, adds a political dimension to the legal proceedings. This situation emphasizes the heightened scrutiny surrounding the acquisition and issuance of official documents, particularly service passports, and the severe consequences for those found to be involved in fraudulent schemes.

Lawyers should advise clients on the heightened scrutiny and potential criminal liabilities associated with irregular acquisition of official documents like service passports in Ghana, especially given ongoing investigations into alleged syndicates within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Compliance officers should review internal protocols for verifying official documents and engaging with government services to mitigate fraud risks.

Source: Original reporting via news reports.