Foreign Affairs Minister has confirmed that the government will review the current passport fees for Ghanaians living abroad, following concerns raised during a community engagement in Lagos, Nigeria.
Speaking to hundreds of Ghanaians at the Ghana Consulate-General, Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that passport applications had dropped by 20,000 annually after the previous administration implemented a fee increase. He described the hike as a harsh decision that had negatively impacted citizens both within Ghana and internationally.
The minister assured the gathering that the government was committed to reducing passport costs for those living abroad, following similar fee reductions for Ghanaians in the country. “We are reviewing the Fees and Charges Act comprehensively, and your concerns about passport fees will be addressed,” he said.
Ablakwa also announced plans to collaborate with the National Identification Authority to begin registering Ghanaians living overseas.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted key government actions, including the abolishment of the controversial e-levy, betting tax, and emissions levy. He reassured attendees that the government was on track to fulfil its promises.
The community engagement saw a record turnout, and Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the Foreign Service Officers for their dedication to serving Ghanaians abroad.
Source:TheDotNews