The Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, has defended the tiered passport application fees, saying applicants who cannot afford the GH¢2,000 24-hour service can access cheaper options with relatively short processing times.

Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Class 91.3 FM’s Elizabeth Aidoo, Mr Mahama said applicants could pay GH¢350 for a passport expected to be processed within 14 days or GH¢700 for a five-day service.

He explained that improvements in operational efficiency had enabled the Passport Office to deliver passports ahead of the stipulated timelines.

“For the GH¢350, we do it under 14 days. It’s supposed to take two weeks,” he said.

“But really, even the 14 days, the 350, we do it way below the time given. In a week, the passport is done and delivered to you because of improved efficiency,” he added.

Mr Mahama said applicants who opted for the GH¢700 service could receive their passports within a maximum of four days.

He explained that the different service options were designed to allow applicants to select a processing timeline that suited their individual circumstances and financial capacity.

The comments follow concerns over the affordability of the GH¢2,000 24-hour passport service, particularly for ordinary Ghanaians who may need urgent travel documents but cannot afford the premium fee.

However, the Director’s response highlighted the availability of lower-cost alternatives, although these do not guarantee passport delivery within 24 hours.