Ghanaians may soon pay less for passports, as Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced plans to reduce fees for regular applicants. The proposed fee reduction will be subsidized by increased charges on expedited and premium services, which primarily serve frequent travelers and business professionals.
Speaking during a working visit to the Passport Head Office in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that passport fees have become a heavy burden for ordinary citizens. He stated that the ministry would seek parliamentary approval to amend the current fee structure, ensuring that passport acquisition remains accessible and affordable.
“We are saying that passport application fees have become too expensive for ordinary Ghanaians. People are complaining.
When we traveled across the country, they told us they want the fees reduced. So we are taking a second look at the structure to make sure that passport costs become more affordable for everyday Ghanaians.”
This visit, which included stops at both the Passport Head Office at Ridge and the Accra Passport Application Centre at Tema Station, marked Mr. Ablakwa’s first official tour of the Passport Office since assuming office. His goal was to assess operations, identify challenges, and explore ways to improve passport service delivery.
He acknowledged the critical role the Passport Office plays in national security and identity verification and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to:
- Reducing passport processing times.
- Expanding passport application centers nationwide.
- Fully digitizing the system for faster and more efficient service.
As part of his commitment to improving passport services, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met with staff at the Passport Head Office to discuss their challenges and gather input on proposed reforms.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed deep appreciation for the staff’s dedication, acknowledging the difficulties they face in vetting applicants and maintaining the integrity of Ghanaian passports. He emphasized that the work they do is crucial in ensuring national security and providing citizens with efficient and reliable passport services.
Unlike a leader who simply relies on reports, Mr. Ablakwa made it clear that he intends to take a hands-on approach to leadership.
“I do not want to be an armchair minister who only relies on reports and handover notes. I want to be on the ground to see how things are working, how Ghanaians are being served, and how our colleagues in these departments are delivering on their mandate.”
