Ghana Reduces Passport Fees: Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa Announces Major Reduction in the cost of passport application
Ghanaian citizens seeking to acquire a passport will soon enjoy a significant reduction in application fees, as announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The cost of a 32-page ordinary passport will drop from GH¢500 to GH¢350, pending a review of the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) law by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the decision followed an extensive review of passport issuance charges, ensuring that the reduction would not place an additional financial burden on the state.
Government Introduces Reforms for a Faster & More Accessible Passport System
Beyond reducing costs, the Foreign Affairs Minister outlined bold reforms aimed at improving the passport application process for Ghanaians nationwide.
✔ New Regional Passport Offices: To enhance accessibility, passport application centers will be established in all six newly created regions.
✔ Home Delivery of Passports: The government plans to introduce a convenient home delivery service, ensuring that Ghanaians receive their passports without long delays or travel hassles.
✔ Transition to Chip-Embedded Passports: By mid-April 2025, Ghana will fully transition to chip-embedded passports, meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and enhancing security features.
Backstory: How Passport Fees Skyrocketed in 2024
This passport fee reduction comes less than a year after Ghanaians experienced a massive price hike. Under the previous government, led by Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration increased fees in April 2024, citing the high cost of passport production.
🔺 The price of a 32-page standard passport jumped from GH¢100 to GH¢500, a 400% increase.
🔺 The 48-page booklet soared to GH¢644, while expedited services saw costs rise to GH¢700 (32-page) and GH¢800 (48-page).
🔺 Government justified the increase by revealing that passport production costs GH¢400 per booklet, arguing that Ghana’s old fees (around $7.7) were the lowest in West Africa, compared to Liberia ($40) and Nigeria ($54.29).
What This Means for Ghanaians
With this new policy, the passport application process will become cheaper, faster, and more efficient. Citizens will no longer have to bear the burden of excessive fees, while new measures like home delivery and regional passport offices will ensure greater accessibility for all.
This strategic move by the government aims to make passport acquisition seamless and affordable, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to global travel standards and national economic relief.
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Passport Acquisition: The Foreign Minister has announced a reduction in the price of a 32-page booklet from GHS 500 to GHS 350.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/SkZXC06zdp
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 13, 2025
SOURCE : DEW360.NET
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