Bolgatanga: Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced a significant reduction in passport application fees and outlined reforms to enhance the passport acquisition process in Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, the ordinary passport application fee will be reduced from GH?500.00 to GH?350.00 within the next three weeks, following the maturity of new fees and charges currently before Parliament. Mr. Ablakwa made this announcement during the commissioning of a temporary passport application centre in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate financial burdens on citizens and improve service delivery.

Mr. Ablakwa also introduced a courier delivery system, allowing applicants to receive their passports at home or their offices without additional charges. He emphasized that the courier service fee is included in the new GH?350.00 fee. Additionally, an e-tracking system has been implemented to enable applicants to monitor the status of their applications in real time, with processing times now shortened to 15 working days for regular service and three days for expedited applications.

Ghana has phased out old biometric passports in favor of modern chip-embedded passports, meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to enhance security and service efficiency. Mr. Ablakwa highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across all passport offices, which will help address fraudulent applications by blacklisting offenders nationwide.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring functional passport application centres in all 16 regions of Ghana by December 2025, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development. The new passport application centre in Bolgatanga represents a step toward decentralizing services and making governance more responsive to citizens’ needs.

The event was attended by the Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Alagumgube Association.

Bolgatanga: Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced a significant reduction in passport application fees and outlined reforms to enhance the passport acquisition process in Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, the ordinary passport application fee will be reduced from GH?500.00 to GH?350.00 within the next three weeks, following the maturity of new fees and charges currently before Parliament. Mr. Ablakwa made this announcement during the commissioning of a temporary passport application centre in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate financial burdens on citizens and improve service delivery.

Mr. Ablakwa also introduced a courier delivery system, allowing applicants to receive their passports at home or their offices without additional charges. He emphasized that the courier service fee is included in the new GH?350.00 fee. Additionally, an e-tracking system has been implemented to enable applicants to monitor the status of their applications in real time, with processing times now shortened to 15 working days for regular service and three days for expedited applications.

Ghana has phased out old biometric passports in favor of modern chip-embedded passports, meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to enhance security and service efficiency. Mr. Ablakwa highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across all passport offices, which will help address fraudulent applications by blacklisting offenders nationwide.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring functional passport application centres in all 16 regions of Ghana by December 2025, emphasizing the importance of inclusive development. The new passport application centre in Bolgatanga represents a step toward decentralizing services and making governance more responsive to citizens’ needs.

The event was attended by the Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Alagumgube Association.