Ghanaians have been sent a strong warning not to apply for passports unless absolutely necessary.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, issues the warning.
Passports are not the primary form of identification for citizenship in the country, the former Anyaa-Sowutum MP stressed in a news briefing on Tuesday, April 2, in response to public outcry over the increased levies.
She asked people who did not have any imminent trip plans to spare themselves the trouble of applying for passports.
Following this advise, Madam Botchwey emphasized, would relieve pressure on the nation’s passport manufacturing.
As of the now, our primary source of identification is the National Identification, which is functioning quite effectively recognition.
The passport is no longer valid and even individuals who possess a national ID are able to enter the nation using it. Thus, I sincerely encourage Ghanaians to please let me know if you do not require a passport due to financial hardship.
“I sincerely request that you refrain from applying for a passport as it is no longer your primary form of identification.”
She did, however, clarify that her ministry did not unilaterally establish the new levies, which have drawn criticism, but rather that Parliament approved them.
“The Ghanaian Parliament collects the fees. We give them a presentation, the essential details of what it is. This is known to Parliament, and the charges in this paper originated there as well.
“We should go back and examine it if Parliament makes a decision; Parliament made the decision, and we will abide by it.”
