The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a notable announcement regarding adjustments to the fees for passport applications, revealing substantial increases in the charges.
The fee for the 32-page booklet under the standard service has been raised from GH¢100 to GH¢500, while the 48-page booklet will now cost GH¢644.
Individuals selecting expedited service will also encounter adjusted fees. The expedited service for the 32-page booklet is now set at GH¢700, while the 48-page booklet will require a fee of GH¢800.
The decision to increase passport application fees follows a proposal by the sector Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, for a review presented to the Parliament’s Committee on Subsidiary Legislation in December of last year.
The objective behind this move is to enable the ministry to address losses incurred in the printing of passport booklets.
Minister Botchwey underscored the importance of Ghanaians paying realistic prices for passports, particularly in light of the current financial constraints within the economy.
She emphasized that the previous fee of GH¢100 per passport did not sufficiently cover production costs, leading to a government subsidy of GH¢300 for each passport issued.
“It is time for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports they acquire to travel beginning next year. The current situation is not sustainable for the state to continue subsidizing passports,” she stated.
The adjustment in passport application fees reflects the ministry’s efforts to ensure financial viability while providing essential services to citizens.
STORY BY; PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH
