The Government has announced a 30 per cent reduction in passport application fees, lowering the cost from GH₵500 to GH₵350 in bold move to make passports more affordable and accessible to all Ghanaians.
The new pricing, which takes effect from Thursday, November 13, 2025, follows Cabinet and Parliamentary approval of the new Fees and Charges Regulations,
It is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to ease the financial burden on citizens while maintaining the highest quality standards in passport production.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made the announcement at a press briefing in Accra, describing the decision as “a fulfillment of government’s pledge to promote affordability without compromising value, convenience, or security.”
“We have delivered on our promise. From tomorrow, Ghanaians will pay GH₵350 instead of GH₵500 for a new passport. This is a significant 30 percent reduction,” the Minister stated. “And let me emphasise, the only thing that has changed is the price.”
He assured the public that despite the fee reduction, the passports being issued were of the same quality, durability, and technological standard as before, featuring the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-approved chip-embedded security.
“We are not compromising on quality. It is the same chip-embedded passport, the same value, the same convenience, and the same number of pages. The only difference is that you are paying less,” Mr. Ablakwa stressed.
The Minister explained that the reduction was driven by the government’s commitment to ensuring equity and inclusion in passport acquisition, after observing that the previous GH₵500 fee had discouraged many Ghanaians from applying.
“The data showed that the earlier increase had significantly reduced patronage. Many found the cost beyond their means. We believe that every Ghanaian has a right to a passport, not just the privileged few,” he said.
He emphasized that the new price regime is part of a wider passport administration reform aimed at making the process affordable, transparent, and fully digital.
Mr. Ablakwa also reassured applicants that the reforms, including free nationwide courier delivery through Ghana Post and Shark Express, remain intact despite the reduction.
“You still do not have to pay any extra fee for delivery. The courier charge is already built into the passport fee,” he said, and that “The quality of service, the speed of processing, and the efficiency remain unchanged.”
To address emergencies, the Ministry has introduced a new same-day passport service, approved under the new Fees and Charges Regulations.
“We are introducing a special one-day passport service for applicants who face urgent travel needs such as medical emergencies or sudden business or diplomatic assignments. This is to remove the temptation for people to seek shortcuts through middlemen,” the Minister revealed.
He noted that the new expedited service was designed to respond to real-life situations that demand urgency, while preserving fairness and transparency in the system.
“Previously, people had to rely on connections or pay Goro Boys to get a passport within days. Now, we have created an official one-day option, professional, legitimate, and accountable,” he explained.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry had completely eliminated the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “Goro Boys,” who previously exploited citizens through unofficial payment demands.
“There is no need for a middleman. Every Ghanaian can apply directly from their smartphone or computer through www.passport.mfa.gov.gh. It is simple, user-friendly, and accessible from anywhere in the country,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa called on Ghanaians, especially the elderly and those less familiar with technology, to seek help from family members rather than unauthorized agents.
“If you’re not confident online, ask your son, daughter, or neighbour to help you apply. Do not pay anyone claiming to fast-track your passport,” he advised.
He commended staff of the Passport Office and the Ministry’s leadership team for their dedication in sustaining the reforms, adding that their commitment had made Ghana’s passport system one of the most efficient in Africa.
He said, “Our staff have worked tirelessly to make this possible. They embody the spirit of patriotism and service that this government champions.”
The Minister highlighted that the reform agenda is being driven entirely by Ghanaian companies, describing it as “a homegrown success story.”
“From the technology to the delivery services, this is 100 percent Ghanaian-driven. We have proven that local capacity can deliver world-class results,” he said proudly.
Mr. Ablakwa appealed to the media to help educate the public about the new fees and the legitimate application process, emphasizing that the reduction does not signal any drop in standards.
“Media colleagues, please emphasize this point, the only thing that has changed is the fee. Not the quality, not the convenience, not the security. Everything else remains the same,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access by establishing passport application centres in all 16 regions before the end of the year, ensuring every Ghanaian can apply for a passport without travelling long distances.
“Passports are not a privilege for a few; they are a right for all. This price reduction reflects that belief,” he concluded.
Credit: GNA
