The Foreign Affairs Ministry has declared a notable adjustment in passport application fees, effective immediately, with substantial increases introduced across the board.
Under the standard service, the fee for the 32-page booklet has surged from GH¢100 to GH¢500, while the 48-page booklet will now cost GH¢644. Additionally, for expedited service, the fees have been revised upwards, with the 32-page booklet now priced at GH¢700 and the 48-page booklet at GH¢800.
This decision follows a proposal by the sector Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to review passport fees, presented to the Parliament's Committee on Subsidiary Legislation in December last year.
Minister Botchwey underscored the necessity for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports, emphasizing that the previous fee did not cover production costs adequately, resulting in a significant government subsidy per passport.
“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,” Minister Botchwey stated.
The adjustment aims to enable the ministry to address losses incurred in the printing of passport booklets and ensure financial viability while providing essential services to citizens.