The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Mr. Patrick Yaw Boamah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has firmly stated that any proposed reduction in passport fees remains unachievable until it receives formal approval from Parliament.
His comments come in response to an earlier announcement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who informed the House of the government’s intention to slash passport application fees from GH¢500 to GH¢350.
However, speaking to journalists at Parliament House on Wednesday, Mr. Boamah clarified that such a reduction cannot be implemented unilaterally by the minister.
“The minister had previously indicated that passport prices will be reduced, but it has become clear that he did not have the authority to unilaterally make such a decision,” he said.
He emphasized that legislative endorsement is a constitutional requirement before any fee adjustment can take effect.
“The minister does not have the power to unilaterally reduce passport prices without legislative approval. The finance minister will determine whether passport prices can be reduced based on revenue projections,” he added.
Mr. Boamah explained that the Finance Minister is expected to return to Parliament in August with a formal proposal, which will include projections and legislative backing necessary to enact the change.
“I said the other time that the Minister did not have the authorization to unilaterally reduce passport prices. From the answers he gave today, it confirms that passport prices have not been reduced. It still remains a pledge of the government, not an implemented policy. We must make it clear to the Ghanaian public not to be carried away,” he stated.
He acknowledged that Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the fee reduction, but urged the public to temper expectations until the proper legislative processes are completed.
“Parliament will play a crucial role in approving any changes to passport prices through the legislative process,” Mr. Boamah concluded.
The MP’s remarks serve as a reminder that while policy intentions may be announced by the Executive, their execution must be legally sanctioned through Parliament to ensure constitutional compliance.
