Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has defended the recent passport fee increment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced an increase in passport Increase in passport application fees too excessive – Gyampofees effective April 1, 2024.
The announcement has faced strong opposition. However, the MP explained that prior to the adjustment, the printing cost of a passport was GH¢400, with the holder paying GH¢100 while the government absorbed GH¢300. This has been the case since 2016.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi added that the price increase will enable the ministry to generate more revenue to establish additional district offices, reducing the inconvenience of long-distance travel for passport services.
During an interview on Adom TV’s Big Agenda, Mr. Appiah-Kubi argued that the fee increase is justifiable in light of these changes.
“I know a friend who has applied for passport for over a year now and has not received it due to shortage of printing materials. So I am optimistic that this increment will help government to mobilize enough money to buy more printing materials to print passport to curb delay in the issuance of passport to applicants,” he said.
The new fees are as follows:
- 32-page booklet: ¢500 (previously GH¢100)
- 48-page booklet: ¢644 (previously GH¢100)
Expedited service fees:
- 32-page booklet: ¢700
- 48-page booklet: ¢800