Passport fees shoot up by 350%

Beginning Monday, April 1, 2024, the processing fees for various passport applications will increase by an average of 350%.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration explained that the decision complies with 2023 fees and charges regulations, L.I. 2481.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform its valued clients that, in accordance with the fees and charges (misscellaneous provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2481), there will be an adjustment in the fees and charges for all services provided by the Ministry. The adjustment will take effect on Monday, April 1, 2024,” the statement said.

The processing fee for an expedited 48-page passport now costs GHC 800, while a 32-page application costs GHC 700.

The standard application for 32 pages and 48 pages is now GHC 500 and GHC 644, respectively.

The proposal to revise the current passport application fees was presented to Parliament by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration last year.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, it was about time for Ghanaians to pay reasonable fees for passports they obtain to travel, explaining that the state could no longer afford to subsidise passports because of the present economic challenges.

Some Ghanaians, however, have voiced their displeasure with the increases, arguing that they are rather harsh.