Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has voiced disappointment regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration's decision to raise passport application fees in Ghana.
He expressed disappointment that despite suggestions from him and his colleagues on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee for a graduated approach to fee adjustments when economic conditions improve, their advice was ignored.
The Ministry, in a statement issued on Monday, announced an upward review of fees and charges for all services it provides to the public, effective April 1, 2024. The decision was said to align with the 2023 fees and charges regulations, Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2481.
Reacting to the announcement on his social media account, Mr. Ablakwa criticized the increased fees, citing the current economic crisis and high cost of living, which he believes make the proposed fees untenable.
He urged the Ministry to reconsider its decision and emphasized that the matter would be revisited when Parliament resumes from recess.
The Ministry's proposal to increase passport fees was discussed in Parliament on December 15, 2023. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the sector Minister, explained that the deficit in the printing of passport booklets necessitated the proposed fee adjustments.
She highlighted that Ghana's passport fees were comparatively low compared to other West African countries, with Ghana charging the lowest fee at $7.7, while countries like Cameroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria charge higher fees.
Despite the Minister's plea for realistic pricing, Mr. Ablakwa and others remain discontented with the sudden increase in passport application fees.
