GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
The Ghanaian government is set to introduce chip-embedded passports within the next six months, as revealed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong. This move aligns with a directive from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Canada.
In an interview on JoyNews, Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong clarified that despite the introduction of the new passports, the current biometric passports will remain valid for a period of time.
“When we bring in the chip-embedded, both passports can be used for a period of about a minimum of one year or more. So still you have the biometric, you can use it until a year and a half or about two years’ time. We are yet to decide on it,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the new chip-embedded passports will not come with an extra cost. “It will all stay the same. At least that 100 extra will be able to take care of the extra cost in introducing the chip embedded. The chip embedded cost more but even if we introduce it, we will still be able to charge the same GH₵500 and be able to operate without too much challenges or difficulties.”
Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong highlighted that Ghana’s current passport fees are among the lowest in the West African sub-region and increasing the fees would help align them with the cost of passport issuance in neighboring countries.
He pointed out that Ghana’s passport fees are notably lower than those of Liberia, which is presently reviewing its fees and contemplating an increase.
While acknowledging that Ghanaians may be displeased with the increase in passport fees, he emphasized that it is a necessary measure to improve service delivery.
