Ministry Recommends a 544% Surge in Passport Application Fees

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has submitted a proposal to Parliament, suggesting an adjustment of the current passport application fees from GH¢100 to GH¢644, indicating a substantial 544% increase. The proposal, currently under consideration by the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation, aims to address financial challenges related to the production of passport booklets.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, conveyed the proposal to Parliament, emphasizing the need for Ghanaians to pay more realistic prices for passports starting next year. The minister attributed the fee hike to the economic constraints faced by the government, making it unsustainable to continue subsidizing passport costs.

Ayorkor Botchwey clarified that the current fee of GH¢100 was insufficient to cover the production cost of GH¢400 per passport booklet. She noted that for each passport, the government had to contribute GH¢300, which was no longer viable.

Comparing Ghana’s passport fees with other West African countries, the report from the Committee on Foreign Affairs highlighted that Ghana’s rate of $7.7 is the lowest in the sub-region. Other countries such as Cameroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria charge significantly higher fees.

Ayorkor Botchwey, speaking outside the Parliament Chamber, stressed that the deficit in passport booklet production hindered necessary investments in the Passport Office. She noted that passports were no longer primary sources of identification due to the existence of national IDs, and those obtaining passports did so with the intention to travel.

The minister appealed to Ghanaians not urgently needing to travel to refrain from applying for passports. She also addressed concerns about services and environments at passport application centers, stating that the ministry provided options for consular services, passports, visas, or attestations to enhance applicant experience.

Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to accurately reflect the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ proposal for a 544% increase in the current GH¢100 fee.