By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has rolled out major reforms to Ghana’s passport services, including the introduction of a 24-hour express passport option priced at GH₵2,000 and a significant reduction in the standard application fee.
The new 24-hour express service is designed for Ghanaians with urgent travel needs such as medical emergencies, business commitments, or other time-sensitive engagements. Under this premium option, applicants who meet the requirements can receive their passports within one day.
Authorities say the service will also help curb the activities of intermediaries, commonly referred to as “goro boys,” who have previously exploited applicants seeking faster processing.
At the same time, the Ministry has reduced the standard passport application fee by 30%, cutting it from GH₵500 to GH₵350. The target processing period for the standard service is 15 days, with plans underway to introduce door-to-door courier delivery to make the process more convenient for applicants across the country.
As part of the reforms, Ghana has also begun issuing new chip-embedded, polycarbonate passports. The new passports come with advanced security features that make them extremely difficult to forge and are fully compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, enhancing Ghana’s passport security and global acceptance.
The Ministry has clarified that existing biometric passports remain valid until 2030. However, any applicant renewing a passport will automatically be issued the new chip-embedded version.
The reforms were announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said the changes are aimed at modernizing passport services, improving efficiency, increasing accessibility, and restoring public confidence in the system.
According to the Ministry, the new structure offers flexibility, providing a fast-track option for emergency travel while keeping passport acquisition affordable for the general public.
Applicants are advised to rely solely on official channels and to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official platforms for up-to-date information and application procedures.
