Government Reduces Passport Fees to GHC350
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced a significant reduction in passport application fees, lowering the cost of the ordinary 32-page booklet from GHC500 to GHC350. This change becomes effective on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The decision was made following months of administrative procedures and is now in effect.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the announcement via Facebook on Sunday, November 9. He confirmed that the reduction will take immediate effect, reflecting the government’s commitment to making passports more accessible for all Ghanaians.
The intention to lower passport fees was first revealed by Mr. Ablakwa during a parliamentary session on March 13, 2025. This initiative followed directives from President John Dramani Mahama, who emphasized the need to make passports more affordable and accessible.
“The government recognizes concerns about the affordability of the new passport and is committed to ensuring that the cost remains reasonable while maintaining high security standards,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
The fee reduction was possible after Parliament completed amendments to the Fees and Charges Act. These changes cleared the way for the policy to be implemented, allowing the government to adjust the costs associated with passport applications.
According to the Minister, the new GHC350 fee already includes courier service costs. This means applicants will not incur any additional delivery charges. “When they deliver your passport, all you have to do is verify your identity with your Ghana Card and sign. You are not to pay even one cedi more,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
Improved Processing Times
In addition to the reduced fees, processing times have also been improved. Regular applications will now take 15 working days, while expedited services will be completed within three working days. This improvement aims to enhance the efficiency of the passport application process and reduce waiting times for citizens.
Mr. Ablakwa further disclosed that Ghana has completely phased out the old biometric passport system. The country has replaced it with modern chip-embedded versions that meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This upgrade ensures that Ghanaian passports are secure, up-to-date, and recognized internationally.
Expansion of Passport Application Centres
The Ministry continues to operate a 24-hour service, providing flexibility for citizens to apply for passports at their convenience. Additionally, the government aims to have functional passport application centres in all 16 regions by December 2025. This expansion is expected to improve accessibility and reduce the burden on existing centers.
Conclusion
The reduction in passport fees and the improvements in processing times mark a significant step forward in making travel documents more accessible for Ghanaians. With the introduction of modern, secure passports and the expansion of application centers, the government is working to ensure that all citizens can benefit from these changes.
The ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment to enhancing public services and meeting the needs of the population. As the implementation of these reforms continues, citizens can look forward to a more efficient and affordable passport application process.