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Parliament to consider mobile passport service fee as Ashanti expansion planned

Parliament to consider mobile passport service fee as Ashanti expansion planned

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Parliament will consider a fee as the mobile passport service becomes permanent. He also announced plans for a second passport application centre in the Ashanti Region by the first quarter of 2027.

Published 3 days ago
  • 3news.comGovt to introduce special fee for Mobile Passport Service - Ablakwa
  • starrfm.com.ghAshanti Region to get second Passport Application Centre by 2027 – Ablakwa
  • starrfm.com.ghParliament to consider fee for Mobile Passport Application Service – Ablakwa
  • 3news.comGovt to establish a second Passport Application Centre in the Ashanti Region by first quarter of 2027 - Ablakwa
3news.com

Fee proposed for mobile service

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Parliament will soon consider a fee for the Mobile Passport Application Centre initiative, which the ministry plans to make permanent. The ministry has not specified the proposed charge.

The service currently operates temporarily, visiting localities and institutions on request to capture applicants’ biometric data. The permanent service is expected to have dedicated staff and aims to reduce queues and bring services closer to applicants.

Ablakwa announced the plans during a visit to the Ashanti Regional Passport Application Centre on October 14, 2026. He said the initiative would generate revenue to support development and renovation of passport centres.

Second Ashanti centre planned

Ablakwa said a second Passport Application Centre in the Ashanti Region is expected by the first quarter of 2027, with work progressing at Ashanti Mampong.

He said the region’s population had placed pressure on staff and equipment at the existing centre. The additional facility is intended to ease congestion and reduce the burden and risks of applicants travelling long distances for biometric appointments.

Vehicles and service improvements

The minister said the ministry had purchased 20 pick-up vehicles to improve staff mobility at passport application centres nationwide. He also identified a need to replace equipment, including computers and furniture.

Ablakwa urged staff to expedite completed applications so passports could be delivered within the stipulated 15 working days, and to give particular attention to older applicants.

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