Ayorkor Botchwey reassigns Kwasi Asante as new director of passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has appointed Kwasi Asante as the new Director of Passports, effective Monday, August 19, 2024. This move was confirmed by Accra-based ASAE Radio.

Mr. Asante’s reassignment comes after a successful tenure as the Chargé d’Affaires at Ghana’s Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a role he has held since May 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Deputy Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) from June 2021 to August 2024.

In a formal communication, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, instructed Mr. Asante to take immediate steps to transition into his new role at the passport office. “You are, therefore, requested to take steps to undergo the required handing over process to enable you to assume duty,” the Ministry’s letter reportedly stated.

As Director of Passports, Mr. Asante will be responsible for overseeing the passport issuance process, ensuring that it aligns with both national and international standards. His new role will also involve close collaboration with key government agencies, including immigration and national security, to maintain compliance with global passport regulations.

This new appointment marks a return to familiar territory for Mr. Asante, who previously served as the Director of Operations at the Passport Office from April 2020 to June 2021. His extensive experience also includes a stint as the ECOWAS Commission Executive Assistant from June 2018 to April 2020.

Mr. Asante’s broad experience in diplomatic and operational roles is expected to bring a renewed focus on efficiency and security within Ghana’s passport issuance system.