The Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that passport applications dropped by 20,000 in the past year following an increase in fees implemented by the previous administration.
He described the decision as overly harsh, particularly for Ghanaians living outside the country, and assured that corrective steps are underway.
Addressing a large gathering of Ghanaians in Lagos, Nigeria, the minister acknowledged the impact of the fee hike and promised that efforts would be made to ease the burden for those living abroad, similar to interventions already introduced for applicants in Ghana.
“Passport fees were among the most pressing issues raised during our engagement with the community,” he noted during a meeting held at Ghana’s Consulate-General. “We are carrying out a comprehensive review of the Fees and Charges Act, and your concerns about passport fees will be factored in.”
He further disclosed plans to collaborate with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to begin the registration of Ghanaians overseas, a move expected to streamline access to national services and identity systems.
Updating the crowd on progress back home, the minister highlighted recent policy reversals introduced by the new administration.
“Our government has abolished the e-levy, betting tax, and emissions levy. I can assure you that the government is on course to deliver on its promises,” he said.
The Lagos event saw an impressive turnout—the largest so far in the minister’s ongoing community engagements—signaling strong interest among the diaspora in national developments and policy reforms.
