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The Hormuz Chokepoint: Why the U.S.–Iran Escalation Threatens the Global Economic Recovery

By; David Tetteh Emaahi       Image source; The Guardian   At Ink Media Online, we are keeping our eyes locked on international waters this morning because global shifts hit our local digital economies faster than you think The fragile peace that the global economy has been clinging to just cracked down. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the vital Strait of Hormuz, the maritime artery responsible for carrying one-fifth of the world’s petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments was officially declared closed “until further notice” by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The critical escalation follows a massive weekend of military friction. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched an expansive round of airstrikes, striking roughly 140 Iranian military targets to dismantle Tehran’s capability to disrupt international shipping. In a rapid, fierce retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone swarms targeting regional U.S. infrastructure and hi...
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​Foreign Affairs Ministry Cracks Down on Passport Fraud; 379 Cards Confiscated-Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa



Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa;Minister for Foreign Affairs 

​The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa issued a stern warning to non-citizens attempting to illegally acquire Ghanaian travel documents. During a press briefing, the Minister revealed that the state has intensified its vetting processes to protect the integrity of the national passport.

​In a display of recent enforcement successes, the Minister showcased stacks of confiscated "Ghana Cards" that had been illegally obtained by foreigners.

​"So far, we have rounded up 379 people... these are the Ghana Cards that we have confiscated over the last 10 months from foreigners. It is clear that some people who are not Ghanaians want to lay hands on our passports, and they thought they could beat the system." He stated 

​The Minister emphasized that while a Ghana Card and a birth certificate are required for the application process, they do not guarantee the issuance of a passport.

​Minister Ablakwa noted that the Ministry has implemented an "extra layer" of security, involving rigorous interviews and screening by highly trained officers

  The Minister sent a clear message to the public.  "Don't try it. If you are a foreigner watching us... you will be promptly apprehended and prosecuted."

​He also highlighted a significant policy shift aimed at making the new Chip-Embedded Passports more accessible to legitimate citizens. As of November 13, 2025, the government officially reduced passport application fees

Service Type :              Old Fee          New Fee

Standard Application:  GHS 500     GHS 350

He concluded that the new regime also promises enhanced service delivery, including a 24-hour expedited service and a courier system to deliver passports directly to applicants' doorsteps.



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