The Government of Ghana has announced a reduction in the cost of an ordinary passport application from GH₵500 to GH₵350, representing a 30% decrease aimed at making passports more affordable while maintaining high security standards. This reduction will take effect once the new Fees and Charges Act is approved by Parliament in the coming weeks. (gnbcc.net, GBC Ghana Online)
This fee reduction is part of a broader set of passport reforms, including the rollout of chip-embedded passports, a 24-hour passport processing service, door-to-door courier passport delivery, and an electronic tracking (e-tracking) system. (MyJoyOnline)
The new chip-embedded passports incorporate advanced security features, such as a microprocessor that embeds the holder’s biometric and photo information, linked to the National Identification Authority’s database. These enhancements aim to improve the security and efficiency of passport services in Ghana. (MyJoyOnline)
The reduction in passport application fees and the introduction of enhanced passport services are expected to benefit Ghanaians, especially students and travelers, by making passport acquisition more accessible and efficient.
For more information and to apply for a passport, visit the official Passport Application Portal at passport.mfa.gov.gh.
Stay tuned to UCC NEWS HUB for further updates on this development.