Africa Tourism News Features Tourism News Ghana Cuts Passport Fees by 30%, Introduces 24-Hour Express Service in Major Travel Reform Familugba VictorNovember 19, 20250313 views The Ghanaian government, on November 18, unveiled its most ambitious passport reform in years, slashing standard application fees by 30% and launching a premium one-day service to streamline international travel for citizens. According to Travelnews.africa, effective immediately, the cost of a regular Ghanaian passport has dropped from GH¢500 to GH¢350 following parliamentary approval. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the changes at a press conference in Accra, insisting the price cut will not affect document quality or security. For travellers facing urgent trips, the ministry now offers an expedited 24-hour passport service for a premium fee of GH¢2,000. The fast-track option targets business travellers, medical emergencies, and last-minute personal commitments; it delivers fully processed passports within one working day. Minister Ablakwa declared war on corruption and fraud that have long plagued the system. “The era of ‘goro boys’ is over,” he warned, vowing zero tolerance for middlemen and touts. Applicants are strongly advised to use only official online and in-person channels to avoid scams and delays. RELATED NEWS Ghana’s New National Airline Nears Launch as Accra Emerges as an Aviation Hub Ghana Tourism Authority to Host International Expo in Lagos, Nigeria Ghana Kicks Off New Era in Sports Tourism with Global Partnerships Security has been dramatically tightened to prevent foreigners from illegally obtaining Ghanaian passports. New protocols include advanced AI screening for suspicious patterns, stricter vetting, and biometric verification. In a recent operation, authorities seized 379 Ghana Cards held by non-citizens, blocked them from the passport database, and referred the cases to National Security for investigation. To root out internal malpractice, the Ministry has deployed undercover “mystery applicants” to monitor passport offices nationwide. Any staff found soliciting bribes or bending rules will face immediate sanctions. The initiative forms part of a broader anti-corruption campaign designed to restore public confidence. Since the reform program began in April 2025, more than 215,800 Ghanaians have received new chip-embedded biometric passports. The high-tech booklets meet international ICAO standards, enhancing global acceptance and making forgery significantly harder. The combined measures, lower fees, faster processing, more rigid fraud controls, and digital streamlining are expected to boost tourism, business travel, and diaspora engagement while polishing Ghana’s reputation in the African travel ecosystem. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the changes, noting that affordable, reliable passports remove a significant bottleneck to intra-African and international mobility. Airlines, tour operators, and corporate travel managers anticipate a reduction in last-minute cancellations due to document delays. Minister Ablakwa summarised the government’s vision: secure documents, transparent processes, and citizen-centred service delivery. With these reforms now in force, Ghana positions itself as a continental leader in modern, corruption-free passport administration. Embark on a thrilling journey through Nigeria’s rich tourism, timeless traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Our stories at Rex Clarke Adventures ignite wanderlust and celebrate Africa’s cultural heartbeat. Dive into our blog for unforgettable tales of discovery! Share this journey, spark conversations, and join us in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy while showcasing its tourism treasures for generations to come. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers What is the new cost of a standard Ghanaian passport application? As announced most recently, the fee has been reduced by 30%, from GH¢500.00 to GH¢350.00. Is there an expedited service for urgent travel? Yes. The Ministry has introduced a one-day passport service that processes applications within 24 hours. This premium service costs GH¢2,000.00. What measures is the government implementing to prevent passport fraud and the activities of “goro boys”? The government has deployed artificial intelligence for applicant screening and “mystery applicants” to catch internal corruption. Additionally, the public is strongly advised to avoid intermediaries and use official digital channels only. What happens if a foreigner tries to apply for a Ghanaian passport? The new system includes stringent vetting. Authorities have already confiscated and blocked Ghana Cards from foreigners attempting to apply, handing them over to National Security for investigation. What kind of passports are being issued now? Applicants receive chip-embedded passports. These are secure, biometric-enabled documents that meet international travel standards. Who is the minister spearheading these specific reforms? In the context of this report (dated 2025), the reforms were announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.