By Eugene Davis
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to introduce an e-visa system next year to digitise visa processing, curb leakages, and improve revenue mobilisation, according to the Ministry’s 2026 Annual Budget Estimates presented to Parliament.
The report also revealed that the Ministry plans to establish premium passport service centres and roll out a 24-hour expedited passport service priced at GH₵2,000.
These disclosures emerged after Parliament approved GH₵1.6 billion for the Ministry for the 2026 financial year.
The Foreign Affairs Committee noted a comprehensive strategy by the Ministry to strengthen Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and reduce reliance on the Consolidated Fund. Key revenue-enhancing measures include:
Commercialisation of mobile passport enrolment equipment to support outreach to underserved communities while generating income.
A reduction in passport processing fees from GH₵4500 to GH₵350 to boost application volumes and raise overall revenue.
Implementation of the new e-visa system to improve efficiency and tighten revenue controls.
Plans to increase revenue from the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) by ending the current low-yield arrangement with a private dome contractor and acquiring new domes for both wings of the facility.
The Committee further noted that the Ministry intends to submit new fee schedules for the dome facilities to Parliament, as they constitute new services. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate a firm commitment to strengthening IGF performance, closing revenue gaps, and ensuring operational sustainability amid tight budget constraints.
Structural Integrity of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC)
The Committee expressed grave concern over a recent structural integrity assessment of the AICC, which revealed exposed columns, rusted reinforcement bars, compromised foundations, and persistent water seepage—conditions that pose significant public safety risks.
The Ministry informed the Committee that, following engagements with the Presidency and National Security, emergency works estimated at GH₵5 million were scheduled to begin immediately, with all repairs expected to be completed by the third week of December ahead of major events.
The Committee also underscored the need to fix the malfunctioning chiller system, which continues to undermine the facility’s usability.
Need for a Designated Diplomatic Enclave
The Committee noted the Ministry’s concerns about the absence of a designated diplomatic enclave in Accra. Traditional diplomatic zones—Cantonments, Labone, and Airport Residential—are fully developed, leaving no available land for foreign governments seeking to establish missions.
The Ministry also highlighted Ghana’s reciprocity obligations to countries that have already allocated land to Ghana abroad, including Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Equatorial Guinea. The lack of available land also threatens Ghana’s ability to host major international institutions, such as ECOWAS’ ERERA, which has warned it may relocate its planned headquarters if land is not secured.
The Committee welcomed the Ministry’s plans to submit a Cabinet Memorandum requesting that the Lands Commission identify and zone an appropriate area for a new diplomatic enclave.
Operationalisation of the Consular Fund
After reviewing the Ministry’s mandate and performance, the Committee emphasised the Ministry’s crucial role in promoting Ghana’s international image, advancing economic diplomacy, and supporting its growing consular responsibilities. As the Ministry’s global engagements expand, adequate resourcing for the 2026 financial year remains essential.
Consequently, the Committee recommended that Parliament approve GH₵1,696,321,803 for the Ministry’s programmes and operations.
The Ministry also reported the successful conclusion of labour mobility agreements with five countries: Jordan, Barbados, Qatar, the UAE, and Grenada.
The Committee noted the Ministry’s projected IGF target of GH₵398,704,713 for 2026 but raised concerns about full compliance with the Fees and Charges Act, particularly regarding fees yet to receive formal Parliamentary approval.
The Committee therefore urged the Ministry to: submit all outstanding fee schedules for Parliamentary approval to prevent unauthorised fee charging; and expedite regularisation of fees to enhance transparency, strengthen revenue governance, and ensure legal compliance.
