The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for the North Tongu constituency in Ghana, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is calling for a reduction in passport application fees following the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announcement of upward adjustment in passport fees.
According to the MP, the Ministry of Foreign affairs boss can exercise “administrative discretion” in lowering the new fees for passport applications. This appeal comes in response to the ministry’s recent announcement of an increase in passport processing fees, ranging from GHC500 to GHC800, as per a statement dated Monday, April 1, 2024.
My understanding is that without parliamentary practices, you will not have the power to charge above when these ceilings are given. But anything below, you can use administrative discretion as a minister to do that he remarked.
Under the revised fee structure, applicants will now be required to pay GHC500 for a 32-page standard booklet and GHC644 for a 48-page standard booklet. Additionally, those opting for expedited services will incur charges of GHC700 for the 32-page option and GHC800 for the 48-page option. Expressing concern over the potential financial burden this imposes on citizens, Mr. Ablakwa emphasizes the need for the Ministry to reconsider the fee adjustment.
Your New Passport Application Fees in Ghana
Photo: New passport application fees
Mr. Ablakwa has asserted that failure on the part of the Minister to address this issue may prompt the NDC minority to take action upon the House’s return from recess.
