By Bold step …
On April 28, 2025, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, issued a public appeal that has sparked widespread discussion across the nation. Ablakwa urged men of God and other religious believers to refrain from anointing the country’s newly launched chip-embedded passports with anointing oils.
The minister’s concern centers on the potential damage to the passports’ advanced biometric security features, which are integral to Ghana’s push for modernized travel documentation.
A Milestone in Ghana’s Digital Transformation
The chip-embedded passports were officially launched on December 2, 2024, in a ceremony led by President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra. This development marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, spearheaded by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
The new passports, designed by local company Biometric Travel Solutions Ltd under a Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement, incorporate a microprocessor chip that stores the holder’s biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition markers. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the upgraded passports aim to enhance security, reduce the turnaround time for issuance, and facilitate safer and more efficient international travel for Ghanaians.
President Akufo-Addo, during the launch, emphasized the cultural significance of the passport’s design, which features Adinkra symbols like “Fawohodie” (Freedom and Independence) and “Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” (Democracy and Cooperation). These symbols reflect Ghana’s values of resilience, unity, and progress, blending national heritage with cutting-edge technology.
“The launch of this passport is not just about technology; it is a celebration of our identity and our collective aspirations as a people,” the President stated. The initiative positions Ghana at the forefront of modern technology within the African sub-region, aligning with its broader foreign policy objective of adhering to international law and treaty obligations.
The Clash of Tradition and Technology
Ablakwa’s appeal, however, highlights a unique challenge at the intersection of tradition and innovation. In many Ghanaian Christian communities, the practice of anointing objects with oil is a deeply rooted spiritual ritual, symbolizing divine protection and blessing.
High-profile religious leaders, such as Bishop Daniel Obinim, have made headlines for their use of anointing oils—Obinim recently reduced the price of his oil from GH¢1,000 to GH¢100 for a special service on April 13, 2025, according to YEN.com.gh. While such practices resonate with many believers, they pose a risk to the functionality of the new passports.
The chip-embedded passports rely on sensitive electronic components to store and transmit biometric data securely. Anointing oils, often olive-based and infused with scents, could seep into the passport’s materials, potentially corroding the chip or interfering with the embedded antenna used for contactless data reading at border checkpoints.
Such damage could render the passport unreadable by international scanners, leading to travel disruptions for citizens and undermining the security features designed to combat identity fraud.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The minister’s statement, shared via a post on X by @eddie_wrt, quickly garnered attention, amassing responses that reflect a divide in public opinion. One user, @JefferyAnkamah, supported Ablakwa’s stance, commenting, “He’s right, security features aren’t designed to survive anointing oil. Faith is important, but we also have to respect the technology and systems meant to protect us.” This sentiment underscores the need for public education on the proper handling of the new passports to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
However, the integration of technology into everyday life often meets resistance in culturally rich societies like Ghana, where spiritual practices hold significant sway. Ablakwa’s appeal may face pushback from religious communities who view the anointing ritual as non-negotiable. Balancing these cultural practices with the demands of modern technology will require ongoing dialogue and awareness campaigns from the government.
Ghana’s Broader Digital Agenda
The chip-embedded passport is part of a larger effort to modernize Ghana’s administrative systems. In October 2024, the government rolled out the CitizenApp, a platform designed to facilitate access to digital government services, further showcasing its commitment to digital innovation. The passport project, overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also aims to streamline processes that have long been criticized for delays and inefficiencies.
Former Deputy Foreign Minister Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, in a February 2025 statement on Adomonline.com, dismissed Ablakwa’s proposal for a 24-hour passport processing system as “unnecessary,” arguing that systemic issues like incorrect application data and funding delays at the Finance Ministry needed addressing first.
Despite such critiques, the new passports have been largely hailed as a step forward. Biometric Update reported on December 4, 2024, that the initiative enhances Ghana’s standing in global travel security, with similar efforts underway in countries like Kenya to support diaspora communities in Canada and China. The passports are expected to reduce identity theft and improve the efficiency of border control, aligning Ghana with international standards set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Moving Forward: Education and Collaboration
Ablakwa’s warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving cultural practices and embracing technological advancements. To ensure the success of the chip-embedded passport program, the government may need to collaborate with religious leaders to find alternative ways for believers to express their faith without compromising the document’s integrity—perhaps by anointing a separate item or offering blessings without physical contact with the passport.
Public education campaigns will also be crucial. Many Ghanaians may not fully understand the technology embedded in their new passports or the potential consequences of exposing it to substances like oil. Clear guidelines, distributed through churches, community centers, and digital platforms, could help bridge this knowledge gap and foster greater acceptance of the new system.
As Ghana continues its journey toward digital transformation, the chip-embedded passport stands as a symbol of progress and global connectivity. However, its success will depend on the government’s ability to navigate the cultural nuances that define Ghanaian society, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of tradition. For now, Ablakwa’s appeal underscores a critical message: faith and technology can coexist, but only with mutual respect and understanding.
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