Ghana Cuts Passport Fees and Launches 1-Day Issuance to Boost Accessibility and Security
The Government of Ghana has unveiled a sweeping reform aimed at making passport acquisition more affordable and secure, with a significant 30% reduction in passport application fees now in effect. The cost of obtaining a Ghanaian passport drops from GH¢500.00 to GH¢350.00 as of today, following approval by Parliament—a move set to benefit individuals and the broader travel industry by lowering one of the key barriers to international mobility.
Announcing the new measures at a press conference in Accra, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised that this reduction will not compromise the quality or security of Ghanaian passports. The Ministry has assured applicants and industry partners that the passport booklets will maintain their high standards, and the efficiency of the application process will remain a top priority for authorities.
Alongside the fee reduction, the Ministry has introduced a one-day passport service designed specifically for applicants with urgent travel needs. For a service fee of GH¢2,000.00, Ghanaians can now obtain their passports within 24 hours—a major improvement for those facing last-minute business, medical, or personal travel requirements. This expedited process is expected to have a positive ripple effect for travel facilitators, airlines, and related businesses, ensuring that Ghana’s citizens can respond quickly to overseas opportunities and emergencies.
Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the Ghanaian passport. He was explicit in warning against fraudulent activities and the use of unofficial intermediaries, stating, “We will not allow any nefarious activity to undermine the gains we have made. The era of 'goro boys' is over.” This clear message is a welcome assurance for stakeholders across Africa’s travel sector, where document fraud and illicit brokerage can compromise both security and the customer experience.
To bolster these reforms, the Ministry has rolled out enhanced security protocols to prevent foreigners from unlawfully acquiring Ghanaian passports. These measures include stringent vetting and screening of applicants, as well as the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies to detect suspicious patterns or fraudulent behaviour. In a notable crackdown, authorities have already confiscated 379 Ghana Cards belonging to foreigners, which have been blocked from the passport application system and handed over to National Security for further investigation. This proactive approach signals a robust stance against identity fraud, reinforcing the reputation of Ghanaian travel documents in the region and beyond.
Further strengthening the fight against corruption, the Ministry has introduced “mystery applicants”—undercover operatives tasked with monitoring passport offices for irregularities or malpractice. This initiative is part of a wider drive to ensure efficiency, transparency, and national security in the passport issuance process. By rooting out corruption and promoting best practices, the government aims to restore and maintain public confidence in its services, a move that is likely to resonate with African industry professionals who have long advocated for cleaner, more accountable travel systems.
Minister Ablakwa also issued a strong advisory to the public, urging Ghanaians to avoid using middlemen—commonly known as “goro boys”—when applying for passports. He highlighted the risks associated with unofficial channels and reaffirmed that the streamlined, digitised process is designed to be accessible and user-friendly for all applicants. This is a crucial message for travel sector professionals, who play a key role in educating clients and promoting direct engagement with official systems.
Since the start of the reform programme in April 2025, approximately 215,807 Ghanaians have successfully applied for and received new chip-embedded passports. This technological upgrade marks a significant step forward for Ghana, placing the country among a growing cohort of African nations embracing secure, biometric-enabled travel documents. Chip-embedded passports not only facilitate smoother international travel but also strengthen border security and support the development of integrated digital identity systems across the continent.
These sweeping changes are set to have a far-reaching impact on Ghana’s standing within Africa’s travel and mobility landscape. By reducing costs, expediting urgent applications, and enhancing security protocols, the government is positioning Ghana as a leader in passport administration and a model for best practice across the region. For travel industry professionals, these developments signal new opportunities to expand their offerings, streamline client services, and reinforce trust in the official processes that underpin safe and efficient cross-border movement.
In a rapidly evolving travel environment, Ghana’s bold reforms offer a blueprint for how African governments and industry players can work together to make travel more accessible, secure, and responsive to the needs of today’s mobile population. The coming months will be crucial as the sector adapts to these changes and explores new ways to leverage improved systems for business growth and traveller satisfaction.
