A Ghanaian citizen, Alex Bamfo, has formally petitioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ghana Immigration Service(GIS) to probe how an Indian national, Niharika Handa, allegedly obtained a Ghanaian passport and Ghana Card using falsified personal information, including an altered date of birth.
According to the documents filed on September 30, 2025, Ms. Handa, identified as a businesswoman, is said to hold an Indian passport with a different date of birth from that recorded on her Ghanaian passport and Ghana Card.
The petitioner argues this amounts to fraudulent acquisition of Ghanaian citizenship and official identity documents.
The petition, submitted through Mr. Bamfo’s legal representatives, calls for the immediate cancellation of the Ghanaian passports of both Ms. Niharika Handa (Passport No. G3718097) and Mr. Punar Vasu Handa (Passport No. G4982646).
It alleges that both individuals secured their Ghanaian citizenship and travel documents under false pretences, misrepresentation, and concealment of key facts.
The petition references:
- Article 9(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which governs citizenship acquisition.
- Section 18(b) of the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), which permits revocation of citizenship obtained fraudulently.
- The Passports and Travel Certificates Decree, 1967 (NLCD 155), which authorises the Foreign Affairs Ministry to cancel fraudulently acquired travel documents.
This petition follows an earlier request filed with the Minister of the Interior on September 19, 2025, seeking deprivation of citizenship for the same individuals.
The petitioner points to inconsistencies between the Indian and Ghanaian documents, particularly regarding Ms. Handa’s date of birth. If verified, such discrepancies could invalidate the legal basis of her Ghanaian citizenship and identity documents.
The Foreign Affairs and Interior Ministries have yet to issue an official response. Legal observers, however, note that if the allegations are proven, the government would be obliged to revoke the fraudulent citizenship and cancel the travel documents in line with Ghanaian law.
The case is expected to fuel wider debate over the integrity of Ghana’s citizenship verification systems as the country continues strengthening its biometric and digital identity frameworks.
Source: Martha Crentsil Acquah
