By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Renowned Ghanaian televangelist, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, has called on holders of diplomatic and service passports to remain calm and not take the government’s recent recall personally.
The directive, issued by the current administration, involves the retrieval of all diplomatic and service passports issued under the previous government led by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring the proper use of official travel documents in compliance with national and international regulations.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show, Dr. Tetteh described the recall as routine, noting that similar actions have been taken in the past under former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Diplomatic passports are meant for official state business. When individuals are no longer in office or holding a position that requires such a document, it’s only logical for the passport to be recalled,” he said. He questioned why someone not serving as a Member of Parliament would still require a diplomatic passport.
Dr. Tetteh also pointed out that most diplomatic passport holders possess ordinary passports, which can be used for personal travel. He noted that ordinary passports often receive longer visa validity periods compared to the shorter terms associated with diplomatic passports.
Urging those affected to approach the situation with understanding, Dr. Tetteh emphasized that the recall is a normal part of government transitions. He reminded passport holders that future recipients of these travel documents will also face recalls when their tenure comes to an end.
His comments come as the government seeks to streamline the issuance and administration of official travel documents as part of its broader governance reforms.
