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Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has advocated that individuals who are unable to afford a passport should refrain from applying for one. She emphasized that passports are no longer the primary form of identification, and those who do not require them should not burden themselves with the application process.
Addressing journalists, Minister Botchwey highlighted the effectiveness of the National Identification System as a robust form of identification, indicating that it has superseded the need for passports in many instances. She emphasized, “Even those who possess a national ID can utilize it for entry into the country.
” Consequently, she urged Ghanaians who do not need a passport and cannot afford one to refrain from applying, emphasizing that the national ID suffices as a primary form of identity. Expressing concerns over government subsidies for passport applications, Minister Botchwey suggested that such subsidies may compromise the quality of services provided to Ghanaians.
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She explained that significant subsidies could strain resources and affect service delivery adversely. In addition, Minister Botchwey affirmed the government’s willingness to cooperate with Parliament if there were discussions to reconsider passport fees. She clarified that the fees for passport applications are set by Parliament, and any adjustments would be made in accordance with parliamentary decisions.
Minister Botchwey assured that the government would adhere to Parliament’s directives regarding passport fees. Furthermore, Minister Botchwey underlined that the increased passport prices are not intended to financially burden Ghanaians.
The Ministry has announced increases in service fees and taxes, consistent with existing laws, which will take effect on April 1, 2024. The processing charges for expedited 48-page and 32-page passports are now set at GHS800 and GHS700, respectively, in line with L.I.2481, the 2023 fees and charges laws.
