The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Reintegration has affirmed its stance on the recent adjustments to passport application fees, dismissing calls for reconsideration despite criticisms from various quarters.
The adjustments, which came into effect on April 1, saw a significant increase in passport application fees. A standard 32-page booklet now costs GH¢500, while a 48-page booklet is priced at GH¢644. Expedited services incur even higher fees, with the 32-page option at GH¢700 and the 48-page option at GH¢800.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament and MP for North Tongu, representing the Minority Caucus, had labelled the fee hikes as draconian and advocated for their reversal.
In response, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, stood firm on the decision, emphasizing that the fees would remain unchanged. Addressing journalists, he asserted, “With the support of the majority of Ghanaians, it has come to stay. There is nothing he can do about it.”
Ampratwum-Sarpong also stated that if Ablakwa decides to pursue the matter in Parliament, the Ministry is ready to engage in debates on the issue. He expressed confidence that the decision to adjust the fees was made to improve service delivery and ensure necessary investments in passport services.
Despite the opposition's pushback, the Ministry remains resolute, signalling a potential showdown on the floor of Parliament regarding the passport fee adjustments.
