Passport Fees slashed to GHS350 – Okudzeto Ablakwa
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
In a significant relief for Ghanaians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a reduction in passport application fees, lowering the cost of the standard 32-page booklet from GHS500 to GHS350.
The move follows public outcry over the sharp increase in passport fees last year. Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the announcement, on the floor of parliament on Thursday, March 13, 2025, emphasizing the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on citizens seeking travel documents. He explained that the decision was informed by extensive consultations and a review of the cost implications of passport production and processing.
In April 2024, passport fees saw a dramatic hike, with the cost of the 32-page booklet rising from GHS100 to GHS500, while the 48-page booklet was priced at GHS644. The increment was met with widespread backlash from citizens, advocacy groups, and travel industry stakeholders, who argued that the new pricing was too high, making it difficult for many Ghanaians to acquire passports. At the time, government officials justified the increase by citing the rising cost of passport production, improvements in security features, and the need to upgrade passport offices to improve service delivery. However, concerns remained about affordability, especially for students, low-income earners, and frequent travelers. With the latest reduction, applicants will now pay GHS350 for a standard 32-page passport, a 30% decrease from the previous fee. T
he government is yet to clarify whether the cost of the 48-page booklet and expedited processing services will also be adjusted. Speaking on the development, Minister Ablakwa noted that the decision aligns with the government’s broader policy of making essential services more affordable for citizens.
“We recognize the concerns of Ghanaians and have taken steps to ensure that the cost of obtaining a passport is more reasonable while maintaining quality and efficiency in service delivery,” he stated.
He further assured the public that the reduction would not compromise the security features or production quality of Ghanaian passports, as the government remains committed to maintaining international standards. The new pricing structure is expected to take effect immediately, with government officials assuring that passport offices nationwide have been informed of the changes. Applicants who recently paid the GHS500 fee before the announcement have expressed concerns over whether they will receive any refunds, but the Ministry has not provided clarity on this issue.
Meanwhile, experts in the travel sector are advising the government to continuously review passport fees in line with economic conditions to ensure affordability and accessibility. They have also called for investments in digitalizing the passport application process to minimize long queues and reduce bureaucratic delays. As the implementation of the new fees takes effect, the focus will now be on how efficiently passport services are managed and whether further improvements will be made to the system in the near future.
