Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed grave concerns about the high cost of passport application fees in the country. 

He argues that the current fees pose a financial burden on many Ghanaians and pledged to review the pricing structure. 

“A passport is a fundamental right for every citizen, not a luxury.

We must ensure that the cost is reasonable and accessible to all,” he stated.

Ablakwa, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency was sworn into office on Friday, 7th February adding that the situation is worrying and must be addressed. 

He assured the public that addressing the high fees would be a priority under his leadership at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. 

“Many Ghanaians, especially students and low-income earners, struggle to afford passports.

This should not be the case, and we must find a way to ease the financial burden,” he added.

He further explained that a comprehensive review of the cost structure would be conducted to identify areas where adjustments could be made without compromising service quality. 

“We will examine operational costs, explore potential subsidies, and find ways to make passport acquisition more affordable while maintaining efficiency,” he emphasised. 

Ablakwa also highlighted the importance of digitisation in reducing administrative expenses and improving service delivery.

The Foreign Affairs Minister assured Ghanaians that his ministry would prioritise affordability and accessibility in passport services. 

He called for public engagement and stakeholder consultations to ensure that any reforms reflect the needs of the people. 

“We must strike a balance between sustainability and fairness. My goal is to make passports more accessible to all citizens, regardless of their financial status,” he concluded.

He expressed these concerns while speaking on Accra-based TV3 on Saturday, 8th February.