Deputy Foreign Minister Kwaku Ampratum Sarpong said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has no intention of reconsidering the recently adjusted passport fees, amid criticism from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a senior member of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee. he claimed.
In response to Ablakwa’s pledge to request a review of the fees after parliament resumes, Ampratum Sarpong maintained the ministry’s position and insisted that the revised fees would remain in place.
“If the President wants us to come before the committee, we will respect the committee, appear before the committee and discuss the reasons behind the request and the passport fees,” he said in an April 3 document. “I intend to reiterate the approval of Congress,” he said. Joy News interview.
“With the support of the majority of Ghanaians, these people are here to stay. There is nothing he can do about it. He can go out and make a fuss. If he wants to bring it up, we will bring it to parliament.” “Let’s meet him in the chamber of parliament. We will discuss it, we will debate it, but in the end he will bow down,” the deputy minister said. emphasized.
He defended the fee increase, saying it was essential to generate revenue to enhance service delivery at passport bureaus across the country.
“We have the funds to invest in purchasing equipment, printers, and everything else we need to provide great service.
“The cash flow will allow us to approach suppliers for this equipment and materials and everything else we need for our work.
“So the more computers you get, the more laminating machines you get, the more capture equipment you get, the more biometrics you can capture, and so in six months, seven months. month, or eight months of booking dates would be shortened.
“At the moment we don’t have any capture machines so we can’t control them. We have some but not enough,” he added.
Twi News
The adjustment, which came into effect on April 1, increased the passport application fee for standard services from GH¢100 to GH¢500 for a 32-page booklet and to GH¢644 for a 48-page booklet.
Amid public outcry over the new fees, North Tongue Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, proposed a review of the fees, saying it would add to the already intolerable burden on Ghanaians.
“This is an issue that we will revisit. We will call the minister and ministry officials to see what can be done because this is truly terrible. It will add to the already intolerable hardship and suffering that Ghanaians are experiencing. “That’s going to happen,” he said.
Ga/Sarah
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