The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a significant reduction in the cost of acquiring an ordinary Ghanaian passport.
Addressing Parliament, he reaffirmed Mahama administration’s commitment to making passports more accessible while maintaining high security standards.
“In our effort to make passports more accessible to all Ghanaians, and per the instructions I have received from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we are pleased to announce a reduction in the cost of the ordinary 32-page passport booklet from 500 Ghana cedis to 350 Ghana cedis,” the minister stated.
He further noted that an amendment to the Fees and Charges Act would soon be presented before Parliament to ensure the reduction is formally approved.
This policy shift aligns with the Mahama administration’s broader agenda to ease financial burdens on citizens while enhancing service delivery.
Additionally, Hon. Ablakwa highlighted the availability of the Expedited Passport Service for applicants with urgent travel needs, including medical emergencies, business trips, and academic deadlines.
This premium service ensures that applicants receive their passports within a week for an additional fee.
“We recognize that some Ghanaians may not be aware of this expedited service, especially doctors and nurses who need to facilitate travel for patients requiring urgent medical care abroad. We are intensifying public education to ensure that more people can take advantage of this service,” he added.
The government’s move to lower passport fees has been widely welcomed, with many seeing it as a step toward improving accessibility and efficiency in Ghana’s passport issuance system.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is expected to roll out further details in the coming days.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
