The Passport Head Office in Ridge, Accra, faced an abrupt shutdown following an aggressive protest by a group of aggrieved Zongo youth.
The confrontation, which unfolded late on the night of Friday, May 9, stemmed from the youths’ urgent demand for the immediate release of their passports in light of the impending Hajj pilgrimage.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that a contingent of young men stormed the premises, pressing officials for their passports with mounting frustration. Sources indicate that any attempts made by staff to explain the existing processing procedures only served to inflame the situation further. “No explanation to the angry mob was satisfactory to them,” shared an insider, highlighting the escalating tension.
The disturbance reached a critical point, prompting both the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant, who had been brought in to accelerate passport processing for the Hajj, to flee the scene for their safety.
This unrest comes against the backdrop of a newly launched initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at improving passport services. The initiative promises a 24-hour passport service designed to shorten processing times to just 15 days, while also addressing existing backlogs. This plan includes a shift system for staff members working around the clock and the introduction of a courier delivery option to enhance overall service efficiency.
As of Saturday, May 10, around 1:54 p.m., the atmosphere at the Ridge office was one of stillness; operations had come to a complete halt. A single plainclothes security officer remained stationed at the entrance, while two foreign nationals were seen leaving the building.
Concerns over inadequate security during the protest have been raised, with reports indicating that only two police officers were present that night—an insufficient force against the crowd of over 20 determined individuals who arrived on motorbikes. “They were overwhelmed by the numbers,” a witness recounted, reflecting on the chaotic scene.
Currently, it remains uncertain when regular passport services at the Ridge Head Office will resume, as no official complaint had been filed with the police at the time of reporting. The situation highlights ongoing challenges within the system and the urgent need for improvements to ensure public safety and meet the demands of citizens.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
