Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that proposals have been submitted to Parliament to reduce the fee for a 32-page passport booklet from GHS500 to GHS350. This change is part of the new Fees and Charges Bill and is expected to take effect once Parliament reconvenes and passes the legislation.
The minister made these announcements at the Government Accountability Series, where he provided updates on Ghana’s foreign relations and various international matters, including the repatriation of Ghanaians displaced by conflict and the nation’s understanding with the United States regarding deportations.
The Minister also addressed Ghana’s understanding with the U.S. to accept West African nationals deported from the U.S. He clarified that the arrangement, which has been reviewed by Cabinet and the Attorney General, is an MoU and not a binding treaty, therefore not requiring immediate parliamentary ratification.
Mr. Ablakwa assured the public that the government has implemented strict safeguards to ensure that individuals do not pose a security threat to Ghana. He emphasized that the Mahama Administration would not compromise the safety of Ghanaians and insisted on independently vetting the backgrounds of all deportees.
Furthermore, Mr. Ablakwa provided an update on the first batch of 14 deportees who have already arrived in Accra from the U.S., including nationals from Nigeria and The Gambia. He noted that these individuals have been assisted in returning to their respective countries.
The Minister’s clarification came in response to public scrutiny and concerns raised by critics, including former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Owiredu, who questioned the legal and constitutional basis of the deal and the lack of parliamentary oversight.
In addition to the deportation and passport fee matters, Ablakwa shared updates on Ghanaians displaced by conflict. He said he has engaged his Burkinabe counterpart on the welfare of approximately 1,455 displaced Ghanaians. He also revealed that about 8,000 Ghanaians who had sought refuge in Côte d’Ivoire following a conflict in the Savannah Region have safely returned home, with the latest census showing 5,309 remaining outside the country’s borders.
The minister confirmed he had personally visited Côte d’Ivoire to hold discussions with his Ivorian counterpart regarding the displaced Ghanaians.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
