The Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has strongly criticized the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the recent hike in passport fees.

Mr. Ablakwa described the increase as unconscionable and insensitive to the Ghanaian people.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry recently adjusted the fees for passport applications, raising them from GH¢100 to GH¢500 for the 32-page booklet and to GH¢644 for the 48-page booklet under the standard service, effective Monday, April 1.

• Read also: Passport application fees hiked; Expedited service now at ¢800, standard service at ¢644

For expedited service, applicants will now pay GH¢700 for a 32-page booklet and GH¢800 for a 48-page booklet.

In an interview on the JoyNews AM Show on Tuesday, April 2, the North Tongu MP expressed surprise at the fee hike, stating that it was not approved by Parliament.

He emphasised that no decision had been made regarding the increment and criticized the move for disregarding the current economic challenges facing the country.

"I must say that we are very outraged. We are disappointed. We think that this is so insensitive, it is unconscionable and does not take in consideration the current cost of living crisis and the economic plight of Ghanaians."