General News
Foreign Affairs Minister Clarifies Passport Fees
Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has stressed that Ghanaians would not face financial hardship as a result of the government’s recent hike in passport prices.
According to her, the government spends GH¢400 on each passport, with the applicant paying GH₵100 and the state absorbing GH¢300. She emphasises that the subsidy “cannot be the case that it will continue because it is affecting even our operations.”
Speaking with JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah, she addressed complaints about passport processing times and stated that the government’s heavy subsidy of passports made it difficult to provide efficient services.
Mrs Botchwey also stated that the permission for the new passport cost increase went via a parliamentary procedure and that her organisation has no intention of inflicting a financial burden on Ghanaians.
“Parliament had to agree to raise the cost of passports.” It is not because we wish to place a financial burden on Ghanaians.
“No, it’s just because we need to have applicants pay the realistic fees so that we in turn can also provide them with a good service with a good experience when they come looking or looking to to procure passports,” she went on to say.
She said that the Ghana Card has now replaced passports as the principal means of national identification.
“As of today, we have a highly effective National identifying system, which serves as our primary means of identifying. There is no longer a passport.
“Even those who have a National ID can enter the country with it.” So I’m respectfully urging Ghanaians that if you don’t need a passport and can’t afford it, please don’t get one since it’s no longer your primary form of identity,” she added.
She emphasised that because they needed to enhance their services, Parliament had to agree to raise passport prices.
“Ghana’s Parliament sets the fees. We deliver a presentation to them, giving them the bare bones of what it is. …. Parliament is aware of this, and the allegations in this paper originated from Parliament.”
She reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to following Parliament’s choices, indicating that they will comply if Parliament chose to revisit the passport prices.
General News
The traumatic experience of a Ghanaian bisexual
A Ghanaian man, using the alias Ibrahim for safety concerns, has boldly told his tragic story of being repeatedly assaulted in his community because of his sexual orientation.
Ibrahim, a Muslim, has described being targeted several times by assailants in his community over the years.
According to him, these attacks have become more intense this year as a result of Ghana’s parliament passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Ibrahim was attacked just as arguments around the passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill heated up, and he was attacked again shortly after the bill was passed in February.
The first incident happened on January 22nd, at about 5 p.m., near the Sen Cinema Mosque in Alajo North, Accra.
Ibrahim was the target of another violent attack four months later, on April 12, 2024, during the 3music Sallafest Concert at Alajo T Junction in Accra.
Ibrahim claims that the assaults were motivated by his sexual orientation, which had previously gone unnoticed in his society.
Ibrahim has resorted to secluding himself within for protection since he lives in constant fear of additional attacks.
He laments the absence of a support network in his village, with just a few understanding people living outside its borders.
However, the dread of repercussions keeps him from finding consolation or company outside of his close environs.
In an exclusive interview, Ibrahim described his terrible sense of loneliness and the psychological toll of the ongoing danger of violence.
He must navigate his everyday existence beneath the shadow of dread, unable to freely interact with the world around him for fear of serious bodily damage.
General News
Power interruptions damage our enterprises; release dumsor schedule – GUTA
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has joined demands for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to produce a load-shedding schedule, citing the persistent power outages that are badly impacting companies and livelihoods across the nation.
GUTA issued a statement emphasising the considerable impact of the power outages on many sectors, including agriculture, trade, and industry.
According to them, firms are struggling to meet production schedules and prepare for their personnel as a result of the irregular power supply, which raises production costs and degrades living conditions.
Traders, store owners, wholesalers, tailors, dressmakers, electricians, and other artists are also suffering business losses as a result of the “Dumsor phenomenon.”
GUTA is asking for answers from ECG about the true reasons of the unpredictable power outages, measures to resolve the issue, and a deadline for resolution.
They also requested ECG to publish a timeframe for load-shedding so that companies may organise their activities appropriately.
Because of the unpredictability of power outages, many shop owners have turned to generators, which has resulted in rising fuel costs to keep them operating during outages.
General News
The Foreign Affairs Ministry cautions against travelling to Northern Mali
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has advised Ghanaians not to travel to certain areas of Northern Mali.
In an official statement, the Ministry underlined recent security concerns along critical routes connecting Mali and Niger, notably in the Gao and Ansongo regions of Northern Mali.
The Ministry mentioned incidents of terrorist activity targeting travellers along these routes.
“The Ministry remains committed to the safety of Ghanaians and will provide updates on the security situation in the region under reference in due course,” the statement went on to say.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry reminded the people to always prioritise their safety when travelling.
Find the statement below:
-
Relationship4 days ago
13 indicators that your wife is about to leave you and you have no idea
-
Politics6 days ago
Opoku-Agyemang will be a superb complement in many ways—Mahama
-
General News6 days ago
Gov’t settles on blue and white as new paint for basic schools
-
Business4 days ago
Preserving the Past, Restoring the Future: The Role of Historic Homes Restoration Companies
-
Politics6 days ago
Dr Bawumia is unable to find a match for Opoku-Agyemang – Srem-Sai
-
Politics6 days ago
Bawumia has already settled on a running mate – Miracles Aboagye
-
Business6 days ago
Seaside Serenity: Exploring the Allure of Luxury Waterfront Homes for Sale
-
Ghana Football2 days ago
Samartex coach hints on readiness for Africa next season