The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that the proposal to reduce the cost of passport booklets has been tabled before Parliament.

Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, 2025, the minister stated that the proposal is expected to take effect once Parliament reconvenes and passes the new Fees and Charges Bill.

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“We have submitted proposals containing the new fees and charges bill for the reduction in passport fees from GH¢ 500 to GH¢ 350 for the 32-page booklet to Parliament. It is expected to come into force once Parliament resumes session and passes the new fees and charges bill,” he said.

Ablakwa explained that the bill could not come into force before Parliament went on recess because it had to meet a 21-day maturation period, as is required for Legislative Instruments (LIs).

He, however, assured that once the House resumes, the bill will be passed.

“Before Parliament went on break, it was laid and you know for LI’s, it has to meet a 21-day count. We couldn't get to 21 days before we took the break but when we resume, certainly, the count will be on and after 21 days, this will come into force. It's quite miraculous that we are seeing all these reforms, these enhanced services, and yet the fees are going to go down. This is really remarkable,” he indicated.

The lawmaker for North Tongu also announced plans by his ministry to introduce same-day passport delivery services, specifically for emergency cases.

“We are also introducing a same-day passport delivery service for those with emergencies and members of the business community who may require super express service with a shorter turnaround time beyond the expedited service that we already render.

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“This is also contained in the new fees and charges bill, so, when these new fees and charges mature, you will see that a new service provision will come into force where you can obtain a passport in a day without going through a middleman or a goro boy, as they are infamously called,” he added.

MAG/VPO

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