Ghana fast-tracks passport replacement for flood victims after Accra disaster

The Ghanaian government has introduced a fast-track process to replace passports lost or damaged in this week's devastating floods, as authorities continue efforts to help thousands of people recover from one of Accra's worst flooding disasters in recent years.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said affected citizens would be able to obtain replacement passports within one week under a special emergency arrangement designed to ease the burden on victims rebuilding their lives.

The initiative follows widespread flooding that swept through parts of the Greater Accra Region after days of heavy rainfall, leaving homes, businesses and personal belongings submerged. The disaster also destroyed important documents, including passports, for many residents.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said those whose passports were lost or damaged because of the floods should contact a dedicated hotline between 3 and 17 July to begin the replacement process.

Applicants will be required to provide basic personal information, including their name, date of birth, gender as recorded on the lost passport and a contact telephone number.

The ministry said the emergency measure forms part of the government's wider response to the floods after President John Dramani Mahama directed state institutions to support affected households and restore essential public services.

The floods, which struck after torrential rain at the end of June, killed at least 13 people and displaced thousands across the Greater Accra Region. Entire communities were inundated, with homes, businesses and critical infrastructure suffering extensive damage.

The government has announced a GH¢350m recovery package from the Contingency Fund to support relief, rehabilitation and flood mitigation efforts, while several ministries and local authorities continue to coordinate assistance for displaced families.

Officials say the expedited passport replacement programme is intended to remove administrative obstacles for victims and help them regain access to an essential travel and identity document as recovery efforts continue.