Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government is working to reduce passport application fees for Ghanaians abroad.
This move comes after a significant drop of 20,000 in applications within a year, following a fee increase under the previous administration.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Lagos, Nigeria, during a well-attended engagement at the Consulate-General, the Minister described the previous fee hike as harsh and burdensome for Ghanaians both home and abroad.
Diaspora members raised serious concerns about the high cost of passport acquisition, prompting the Minister to assure them that reforms were underway. He revealed that the government is currently reviewing the Fees and Charges Act, with the aim of making passport services more affordable for Ghanaians overseas—similar to recent reductions implemented domestically.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing both financial and bureaucratic burdens on citizens. He also announced plans to partner with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to begin registering Ghanaians living abroad. This initiative aims to improve data accuracy and enhance access to government services for the diaspora.
Providing broader updates, the Minister reiterated key reforms by the current administration, including the removal of the e-levy, betting tax, and emissions levy. He emphasized that the government is focused on delivering real economic relief to all citizens.
“We are determined to deliver on our promises and ensure relief reaches all Ghanaians,” he stated.
