The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has reaffirmed its decision not to reconsider the recent adjustments made to passport application fees, despite mounting pressure from some quarters.
This new development follows calls made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament and MP for North Tongu after criticizing the recent fee hikes, denouncing them as draconian.
The Ministry’s decision, effective April 1, saw a significant increase in passport application fees. The fee for a standard 32-page booklet rose to GH¢500, while the 48-page booklet surged to GH¢644. Additionally, expedited services saw an increase, with fees set at GH¢700 for the 32-page option and GH¢800 for the 48-page option.
However, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has responded to calls for a review of the fee adjustments. According to him, the fees would remain unchanged despite the public outcry.
Speaking to journalists Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said “With the support of the majority of Ghanaians, it has come to stay. There is nothing he can do about it. He can make his noise out there. If he wants to bring it to Parliament, we will meet him on the floor of Parliament, we will discuss it and will debate it.
“And at the end of the day, I can bet my last Cedi he will fall flat on his face. The reason why we are introducing this, like I said, principally, is the fact that we need to invest and improve service delivery.”
