Ghana splits the passport process in two, and the second half is outsourced. You apply and pay online through the consulate’s own system, then attend a biometric enrolment centre run by a contracted service provider to give fingerprints and a photograph.
Quick facts
That six-month window is the rule that catches people. An online application not presented at an enrolment centre within six months of submission is deleted automatically, and you start again from the beginning.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, 32 pages | Around $130 | Confirm on the consular system |
| Passport, 48 pages | Around $200 | For frequent travellers |
| Biometric enrolment service fee | Paid at the centre | Card or money order to the provider |
| Ghana Card | Charged separately | National identity document |
| Dual citizenship certificate | Charged separately | Needed by many applicants |
The passport fee is paid online; the enrolment centre charges its own service fee separately, and there it takes cards or a money order made out to the provider rather than to a consulate.
How to apply
- Complete the application and pay on the consulate’s online system.
- Book the biometric enrolment appointment and note the transaction number.
- Attend within six months, or the application is deleted.
- Bring evidence of Ghanaian citizenship and of identity.
- Give fingerprints and the photograph, and pay the service fee.
- Wait while the file goes to Accra and the passport returns by diplomatic bag.
Required documents
- Appointment note with the transaction number.
- Evidence of Ghanaian citizenship: birth certificate, old passport, or a citizenship or registration certificate.
- Evidence of identity: national identity card, voter identification or old passport.
- Dual citizenship certificate where you hold another nationality.
- Proof of name change by affidavit or official gazette publication.
- Payment for the service fee at the centre.
Where to apply
Online through the consular system, with biometric enrolment at the designated centres. The embassy in Washington and the consulates general handle the rest of consular work by online appointment.
Additional notes
One valid passport of each type
Ghanaians may not hold more than one valid passport of the same type, so the old book is surrendered or cancelled as part of the process.
Name changes by gazette
Ghana recognises change of name by statutory declaration and publication in the official gazette. Bring the gazette page, not just the affidavit.
Plan around the six months
Apply online only when you can realistically attend enrolment. Submitting early to secure a price achieves nothing.
Peak periods
Summer and December are slower. Six to eight weeks becomes considerably more.