That’s over a 500% increase.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on 1st April 2024, announced an increment in the price of all services they provide. This public announcement came as a shock to many citizens. Some immediately rubbished it as a joke because of the day on which the announcement was made. They thought it was an April Fool’s Day.
However, with time, they believed it was an official announcement. Every curious mind will ask, why a sudden over 500% price increase?
Applying for a standard passport costs GH¢ 500 for 32 pages and GH¢ 644 for 48 pages. The expedited application of 48 pages will now cost GH¢800, whereas the expedited application of 32 pages will cost GH¢700.
According to peacefmonline.com, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, justified the price increase by saying, “It is time for Ghanaians to pay realistic prices for passports they acquire to travel beginning next year.”
Also, Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone, the Consul of Italy to Ghana, stated on his X page that “…if you don’t have 500ghs you don’t need a passport.”
These statements have drawn the attention of many social media users. What do you think of the ministry’s increase in service prices and the justifications?
