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The Majority caucus in Parliament has defended the Ministry of foreign affairs recent decision to increase passport fees.

According to the group, the subsidy of passport fees by 400 Ghana Cedis should not solely benefit the 20% of Ghanaians who require passports for travel, as it is not equitable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration announced the hike in passport fees, effective from Monday, April 1, which has sparked widespread public disapproval and condemnation of the action.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, Andy Appiah Kubi, MP for Asante Akim North, shared his opinion, suggesting that the move by the government through the ministry of Foreign Affairs is justified.

According to Lawyer Andy Appaih Kubi, it is confirmed that the number of Ghanaians who need passport to travel outside the country is less than the number who do not need it to travel; hence, the increment is necessary.

He said, “We agree that it is only about 20% of Ghanaians that need passports to travel out of the country. And therefore, looking at it from that context, the passports then become a privilege, not a right or need. So, if it is a privilege, who should bear the cost of passports? To be honest with you, within the sub-region, passports in Ghana are the cheapest and indeed, it is incomparable with anywhere else.”

“The most immediate cost element is from Liberia, and they are charging GH499.50, which is the equivalent of $50 for passports that span for five years... Indeed, how fair will it be for only 20% of us to surcharge all of us, the 80% for what they want for their purpose of travelling? It is not fair.”

His defense comes on the heel of a recent announcement for the new prices of passport fees being charged by the ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Per the new charges posted on the passport application website of the foreign affairs ministry, an expedited application of a 48-page booklet will now cost Ghc 800, whereas expedited application of a 32-page booklet will cost Ghc 700.

In addition to the information regarding the application, persons applying for standard 32-page passport booklet is required to pay Ghc 500, whereas those opting for the 48-pages are required to pay Ghc 644.   

This communiqué attracted several backlashes, but the majority caucus in parliament opines that it is a reasonable charge being implemented by the ministry.