Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Reymond Awusei Johnson
Published on 2024-04-01 12:18:40
Ghana has announced a revision in its passport application fees to address financial losses incurred in the printing of passport booklets. The increase in fees, proposed by Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and approved by the Parliament’s Committee on Subsidiary Legislation, aims to make the pricing of passports more realistic and sustainable for the government.
Individuals opting for expedited service will now have to pay GH¢700 for a 32-page booklet and GH¢800 for a 48-page booklet. This adjustment in fees reflects the need for Ghanaians to cover the actual production costs of passports, as the previous fee of GH¢100 per passport did not adequately do so, resulting in a subsidy of GH¢300 per passport by the government.
Minister Botchwey emphasized the importance of Ghanaians paying realistic prices for passports to travel, indicating that the current situation of subsidies was not sustainable in the long run. The increased fees are a step towards financial viability for the ministry while ensuring that essential services to citizens are not compromised.
The objective behind raising the passport application fees is to enable the ministry to recover losses incurred in the printing of passport booklets. By adjusting the fees, the government aims to ensure that the cost of obtaining a passport reflects the actual production expenses, making the process more financially sustainable for the state.
The decision to review and raise the passport application fees comes after careful consideration of the financial constraints in the economy and the need for a more realistic pricing structure for passport services. Minister Botchwey’s proposal and subsequent approval by the Parliament’s Committee on Subsidiary Legislation underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring financial sustainability in passport production.
The adjustment in fees for expedited services is part of the overall strategy to streamline the passport application process and improve the financial health of the ministry responsible for passport production. By aligning the fees with the actual costs of production, the government aims to reduce the need for subsidies and ensure that passport services remain accessible to all citizens.
In conclusion, the increase in passport application fees in Ghana is a necessary step towards ensuring the financial viability of passport production while providing essential services to citizens. The adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to realistic pricing and financial sustainability in the face of prevailing economic constraints. Ghanaians are encouraged to pay the revised fees for passport services to support the ministry in its efforts to improve efficiency and financial stability in passport production.
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