The Founder of the ALAGUMGUBE Association, Gabriel Agambila, and his members stood before a jubilant crowd as the Upper East Region officially joined the ranks of regions with a dedicated Passport Application Centre (PAC). Apexnewsgh reports
The new facility, commissioned with much fanfare, marks a transformative milestone in the lives of Upper East residents, ending years of inconvenience and travel burdens for those seeking to obtain vital travel documents.
For Mr. Agambila, the sense of achievement was deeply personal. “It is a thing of joy to me,” he said, his voice resonating with gratitude and excitement. “The people of the Upper East Region can now proudly count themselves among the ten regions in Ghana with a Passport Application Centre to facilitate the movement of our residents.”
The significance of the day was not lost on the community. Residents, dignitaries, and government officials gathered to witness history in the making and to celebrate a victory for accessibility and inclusion. “When the Minister arrived last night, he couldn’t go to sleep,” Mr. Agambila recalled. “Around 11 pm, he was here taking a tour of the facility. he was so excited, and the people of the region are excited too. Now, we don’t have to travel miles to acquire a passport.”
For years, the absence of a local passport office meant that citizens of the Upper East Region had to undertake arduous journeys to Tamale and Wa, and sometimes faced long queues, additional expenses, and the uncertainty of travel. This lack of access not only created logistical headaches but, as Mr. Agambila revealed, sometimes had tragic consequences.
He shared the poignant story that ignited his determination to bring the PAC project to fruition: “One of our own sons was awarded a scholarship to travel to the United States. But sadly, he didn’t have a passport. He had to travel all the way to Wa in the Upper West Region to secure one. On his way back, he had an accident and died.”
With visible emotion, Mr. Agambila explained how that tragedy became his motivation. “That loss was not just a personal blow, but a wake-up call. It made me realize how critical it is for essential government services to be brought closer to the people. Accessing a passport should never come at the cost of a life.”
The new Bolgatanga PAC is more than just an office; it is a symbol of progress and a testament to the power of community advocacy. The ALAGUMGUBE Association, celebrating its first anniversary on the day of the commissioning, played a pivotal role in making the project a reality. From mobilizing resources to supporting renovations, the association’s tireless work ensured the facility met all requirements for a modern, efficient application centre.
The sense of accomplishment was shared by many who attended the event. Community leaders and government representatives praised the collaboration between local groups, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and private partners. Together, they have delivered a legacy that will benefit generations.
The Bolgatanga PAC is expected to serve not just the Upper East Region but also neighboring regions, sparing thousands from long, costly journeys and reducing the risks associated with travel. Instead, residents can now complete their passport applications, biometric data capture, and document collection right in their own region.
The facility’s opening marks the culmination of a broader national effort to decentralize essential services and promote regional equity. The government aims to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to the documentation that enables travel, education, and international opportunities.
For many in the Upper East Region, the PAC’s arrival signals hope for a future where no one is left behind. It serves as a reminder that when communities come together behind a cause, lasting change is possible. “This is a day I will never forget,” Mr. Agambila said. “It is a testament to perseverance, advocacy, and the belief that our people deserve the same opportunities as any other region.”
The commissioning of the Bolgatanga PAC also marked a milestone for the ALAGUMGUBE Association itself, which has dedicated its first year to championing the needs and aspirations of Upper East residents. As the association celebrated its anniversary, the new centre stood as a proud symbol of what determined leadership and collective action can achieve.
For Gabriel Agambila and the ALAGUMGUBE Association, the opening of the Passport Application Centre is not just an achievement; it is the fulfillment of a promise to the people, and the beginning of a new chapter for the Upper East Region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
