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In response to the recent surge in passport application fees, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has acknowledged the financial strain this may pose on some individuals. The fee hike, which has seen prices increase by over 500%, has raised concerns among Ghanaians about the affordability of passports.
Minister Botchwey expressed empathy for those who may struggle to afford the new fees, stating, “If individuals cannot afford to pay 500 cedis for a passport, then it is unfortunate.” She highlighted the current economic climate, noting that even airline ticket prices are expensive nowadays.
The decision to raise passport fees was made to address the financial constraints faced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Minister Botchwey emphasized the need for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports, as the previous fees did not cover the actual production costs.
Despite the increase, the ministry aims to ensure that passport services remain accessible to all citizens. However, the significant hike in fees has sparked debate and raised questions about the impact on travel plans and the overall cost of living for Ghanaians.
