The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured the 7,900 Ghanaians who paid for passports under the old biometric system that they will not be required to pay again following the country’s switch to the new chip-embedded passports.
In a statement posted on his X account on April 30, 2025, the Minister emphasized that “you don’t have to pay twice. No Ghanaian will be disadvantaged.” He further noted that about 22,100 Ghanaians who started the passport application process but did not complete payment have a 90-day window to finalize their applications and will also receive the new chip-embedded passports.
Minister Ablakwa encouraged applicants to reach out for assistance, saying, “We are here to serve you. Call our hotlines anytime for further assistance.”
The new chip-embedded passports, officially rolled out on April 28, 2025, represent a significant upgrade over the old biometric passports, featuring over 150 security enhancements and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The Ministry has introduced reforms including a 24-hour passport processing service, an electronic tracking system, and free home delivery through Ghana Post, aiming to improve convenience and reduce processing times to 15 working days for standard applications.
The old biometric passports remain valid until 2030, and holders can switch to the new passports anytime before then, regardless of expiry. The Ministry has also announced a planned reduction in passport application fees from GH¢500 to GH¢350, pending parliamentary approval.
Minister Ablakwa’s reassurance addresses concerns among applicants about potential financial losses during the transition, underscoring the government’s commitment to a smooth and inclusive rollout of the enhanced passport system.