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| Ghana launches chip-embedded passports with same-day delivery—Ministry rolls out sweeping digital reforms |
- Intro
- Fee Reduction Details
- Legislative Background and Implementation
- Courier and Processing Enhancements
- Passport Technology Upgrade
- Regional Access and Operational Expansion
- Summary
Intro:
In a major policy shift aimed at improving accessibility and affordability, the Ghanaian government has announced a 30 percent reduction in passport application fees for the ordinary 32-page booklet. Effective Thursday, November 13, 2025, the cost will drop from GH₵500 to GH₵350. The announcement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, via Facebook on Sunday, November 9, confirming that the new fee structure is ready for rollout following months of legislative and administrative preparation.Fee Reduction Details
The revised fee applies to: • Ordinary 32-page passport booklet • New cost: GH₵350 (down from GH₵500) • Effective date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Includes courier delivery fee—no additional charges upon receipt Minister Ablakwa emphasized that applicants will not be required to pay any extra fees at the point of delivery:Legislative Background and Implementation
The fee reduction was first announced on the floor of Parliament on March 13, 2025, following directives from President John Dramani Mahama to make passports more affordable for all Ghanaians. To enable implementation, Parliament amended the Fees and Charges Act, a process that concluded in early November. The Ministry of Finance and the Foreign Affairs Ministry coordinated the rollout, ensuring compliance with fiscal and legal frameworks. Minister Ablakwa stated:Courier and Processing Enhancements
In addition to the fee reduction, the Ministry has streamlined passport processing timelines: • Regular service: 15 working days • Expedited service: 3 working days • Courier delivery: Included in the GH₵350 fee The integration of courier services into the base fee eliminates hidden costs and enhances transparency in the application process.Passport Technology Upgrade
Ghana has officially phased out the old biometric passport system and introduced chip-embedded passports that meet international standards. These new passports offer: • Enhanced security features • Compatibility with global border control systems • Improved data protection for holders The upgrade aligns with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) compliance and positions Ghana among countries with modern passport infrastructure.Regional Access and Operational Expansion
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has committed to expanding passport services nationwide: • 24-hour operations for passport processing • Delivery coverage across all 16 regions • Goal: Functional passport application centres in every region by December 2025 This decentralization aims to reduce travel burdens for applicants and improve service equity across urban and rural areas.Summary:
- Passport fees for the ordinary 32-page booklet drop from GH₵500 to GH₵350 starting November 13, 2025.
- The fee includes courier delivery—no extra charges upon receipt.
- Processing times reduced to 15 days (regular) and 3 days (expedited).
- Ghana has transitioned to chip-embedded passports with enhanced security.
- Passport services now operate 24/7 with nationwide delivery and regional expansion underway.
“Affordable identity is a right, not a privilege—Ghana’s passport reform is a step toward inclusion.”
Sources: Societal Vibz Investigations; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Parliament of Ghana
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