The new Fees and Charges Regime for passport services is set to take effect tomorrow, November 13, 2025, following approval by Parliament. The policy includes a significant reduction in the standard passport application fee and the introduction of a novel super-expedited one-day service.
The Ministry confirmed it has honored a campaign promise by reducing the standard passport application fee by 30%, moving it from the previous GHS 500 down to GHS 350. The sector Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that the previous 400% increase was met with public opposition and resulted in a “significant reduction in patronage” due to affordability issues.
“We take the view that passport applications must be affordable and accessible to all Ghanaians as far as possible,” the Minister stated, emphasizing that the reduction will not compromise the quality, security, or convenience of the passport.
The Ministry strongly affirmed that the new GHS 350 fee maintains the same quality and number of pages in the passport booklet, assures the continuation of reforms, including the absorption of courier service costs for free delivery, and promises no change in the enhanced biometric security features.
Elimination of Goro Boys
In a major development aimed at eliminating illegal “Goro Boy” interference and addressing real-life emergencies, the Ministry has introduced a Special One-Day Passport Service. Effective tomorrow, applicants requiring ultra-fast processing can pay a special rate of GHS 2,000 to receive their passport within 24 hours of application and biometric capture. “This is novel and unprecedented,” Ablakwa stated, explaining that the fee reflects the demanding logistical and operational costs required to guarantee same-day delivery across the country.
The Ministry also announced significant enhancements to national security protocols to protect the integrity of the Ghanaian passport, confirming the apprehension and blocking of 379 foreign nationals over the last ten months who attempted to secure Ghanaian passports using fraudulent credentials, including illegally acquired Ghana Cards.
It was reiterated that even with a Ghana Card and Birth Certificate, applicants are subjected to an extra layer of rigorous screening and interviews by well-trained officers and psychologists to fish out imposters. A new policy has been implemented to curb fraudulent bulk applications, a single mobile phone number can no longer be used for more than five passport applications, a measure aimed at syndicates and middlemen.
Furthermore, all Passport Application Centres (PACs) nationwide are now integrated with an AI-driven system that provides real-time alerts and blocks applicants identified as foreigners, preventing them from attempting the process in other regions.
The Ministry advised the public against using middlemen, emphasizing the simplicity of the digital application process. The process begins exclusively online via the official web address: www.passport.mfe.gov.gh.
Applicants are given an online appointment (date and time) for their biometric capture, which is the only time physical presence at a PAC is required. The Ministry concluded by thanking its private partners operating under the PPP arrangement for their commitment to rolling out these critical reforms without hindrance.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
