In a bid to address growing concerns over the recent hike in passport fees in Ghana, Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has come forward to clarify the government’s stance, emphasizing that the decision was not made with the intention of imposing financial hardships on the citizens. During an interview with JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, Botchwey articulated that the underlying rationale for the increased fees is rooted in the government’s struggle to sustain the heavy subsidy on passport costs, which significantly impacts the efficiency of service delivery.
The cost of producing a passport in Ghana is GH¢400, out of which the applicant has been paying only GH₵100, leaving the government to cover the remaining GH¢300. This subsidy, according to Botchwey, is unsustainable in the long run, especially considering the operational challenges it poses. “It cannot be the case that it will continue because it is affecting even our operations,” she explained, shedding light on the financial strain experienced by her ministry.
The Minister reassured that the decision to adjust the passport fees underwent a thorough parliamentary process, signifying a collective agreement on the necessity of the increment. “Parliament has had to agree to increase the cost of passports. It’s not because we want to impose a financial burden on Ghanaians. No, it’s just because we need to have applicants pay the realistic fees so that we in turn can also provide them with a good service with a good experience when they come looking to procure passports,” Botchwey stated, emphasizing the goal of enhancing service delivery to the public.
Furthermore, Botchwey highlighted a shift in the country’s identification system, pointing out that the Ghana Card has now assumed the role of the primary identification document for citizens, thereby reducing the passport’s significance as a national ID. She suggested that those who cannot afford the new passport fees or do not have an immediate need for a passport consider relying on the National Identification, which also facilitates travel into the country.
The Minister’s comments reflect a broader initiative to improve the quality of passport services while addressing the financial sustainability of the operation. By urging Ghanaians to assess their need for a passport in light of the available alternatives for identification, Botchwey is advocating for a pragmatic approach to the use of national resources.
