NPP petitions US to suspend diplomatic courtesies for passport holders

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally petitioned the United States government to suspend diplomatic courtesies for specific Ghanaian diplomatic and service passport holders. The opposition party alleges that several passports have been issued under irregular circumstances since January 7, 2025, involving individuals whose job designations are either incorrect or non-existent. This petition marks a significant escalation in the opposition's scrutiny of the current administration's foreign service protocols.

According to the NPP, the discrepancies specifically involve six individuals purportedly representing the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Fisheries Commission. The party contends that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved these service passports based on false claims regarding the holders' official status. In its petition, the NPP highlighted that some of the positions listed on these documents do not exist within the organizational structures of the respective state agencies, suggesting a breakdown in the vetting process.

Beyond the specific cases mentioned, the NPP is calling for a comprehensive review of all diplomatic and service passports issued since President John Mahama took office. The party has urged US authorities to implement stricter verification processes for all Ghanaian officials and has requested an independent audit of the issuance process. This move is framed as a necessary step to protect Ghana’s international reputation and prevent potential national embarrassment following recent incidents involving drug seizures and other controversies.

The petition clarifies that the request is not intended to obstruct legitimate government business but to ensure that official travel documents are used only by those legally entitled to them. By involving the United States, the NPP aims to rectify perceived irregularities and safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic status on the global stage. The US authorities have not yet issued a public response regarding the proposed suspension of courtesies or the request for enhanced verification.