The government’s 2025 Mid-Year Budget, presented by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has sparked widespread concern among Ghanai
The government’s 2025 Mid-Year Budget, presented by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has sparked widespread concern among Ghanaians following the announcement of a 30–40% increase in fees and charges across multiple sectors.
The policy shift, intended to shore up domestic revenue, will directly affect a broad range of essential public services—from transportation and immigration to healthcare, education, and electricity.
The Finance Ministry has argued that the hikes are necessary due to the need to improve cost recovery and ensure sustainable public service delivery.
However, the impending increases come at a time when many households are already grappling with high inflation, utility bills, and stagnant wages.
Revenue Gaps and IMF Commitments
Since taking office, the NDC government has been under pressure to stabilize the economy under the terms of the IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility.
With limited borrowing space and underperforming domestic revenue, the mid-year budget seeks to raise funds internally.
The Finance Ministry says most fees have remained unchanged for years and need adjustments to match the current cost of service delivery.
Yet critics argue the increments are poorly timed, warning that they may deepen inequality and slow economic activity, particularly for vulnerable groups and small businesses.
Here is a breakdown of key sectors and services that will see increased charges:
1. Transport and Vehicle Services
The cost of vehicle ownership and operation is set to rise significantly:
Vehicle registration fees will be revised upward across all categories.
Roadworthiness inspection charges and driver’s license issuance and renewal fees will also increase.
Commercial transport permits, typically issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Transport Sector Agencies, will cost more, potentially affecting fares.
Commercial drivers, vehicle owners, and logistics firms will bear the brunt, with transport unions already warning of possible fare hikes.
2. Immigration and Citizenship Services
Travellers and foreign nationals seeking to live or work in Ghana will face:
Increased passport application and renewal fees
Higher visa processing charges
Steeper costs for entry/departure stamps, citizenship certificates, residence, and work permits
The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to roll out the new rates in the coming months, sparking fears of delays and affordability issues for citizens needing urgent travel documents.
3. Legal and Judicial Services
Accessing justice will also become more expensive, as fees rise in the following areas:
Court filing and hearing charges at the Supreme, High, and Circuit Courts
Bail bond administration costs
Notary services and document authentication, under the Ministry of Justice
Fees for Gazette publications, legal searches, and certified copies.
Lawyers and litigants warn that this may hinder access to justice, particularly for low-income individuals seeking legal redress.
4. Education-Related Charges
Students, parents, and school administrators will be affected by:
Increased exam registration fees (e.g., WASSCE, BECE)
Teacher trainee certification and licensure charges
Higher school registration and capitation grant-related fees for private institutions
Education stakeholders have called on the government to exempt public schools and subsidize critical education-related fees to protect learners from dropout risks.
5. Business and Regulatory Services
Entrepreneurs and businesses will be hit with higher charges for:
Business registration and renewal fees at the Registrar General’s Department
Import/export licenses, environmental permits, and product certifications (e.g., from the FDA, EPA, NLA)
Signage and advertisement license fees
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) say the increases could impact profitability and job creation, with some warning of business closures if no relief is offered.
6. Security and Identity Services
Security clearance and national identification services will not be spared:
Police clearance certificates for job seekers or visa applicants
Fire safety certificates and private security licensing (Interior Ministry)
Ghana Card-related charges, such as replacements, updates, or expedited services
Fees for e-governance services, including online passport appointments and court e-filings
The Ministry of the Interior and the National Identification Authority are both expected to adjust rates imminently.
7. Water and Sanitation
Utility providers will implement the following increases:
New water connection fees and meter installation costs
Monthly water tariffs
Sanitation and sewerage charges issued by local assemblies
Fees for waste disposal and sanitation services
Municipal authorities say the funds are crucial to maintain water systems and improve sanitation infrastructure, though users fear reduced access in low-income communities.
8. Health and Medical Services
Ghana’s healthcare cost burden is expected to rise with:
Increased NHIS registration and renewal premiums
User fees for outpatient consultations and diagnostics at government hospital
Vaccination fees and charges for birth and death certificates
Public health advocates are urging the Ministry of Health to shield essential services from pricing that could deter access.
9. ICT and Telecommunications Services
Government digital services will become costlier:
Service fees for online passport appointments, business filings, and digital court submissions
Administrative charges from agencies like NITA and other e-governance platforms
10. Energy and Petroleum Services
Consumers may pay more for electricity due to:
Electricity tariff reviews by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)
Meter connection charges for new or replacement installations
The Energy Ministry defends the move as vital to fund infrastructure upgrades, but it may stoke public outcry amid high fuel prices.
11. Infrastructure and Toll Services
Even with traditional road tolls suspended, new fees will apply to:
Vehicle entry permits for special zones or restricted areas
Usage of toll bridges or bypasses
The Ghana Highway Authority and Urban Roads Department are exploring new models to capture road user revenues.
12. Other Government and Statutory Charges
Various miscellaneous services are also expected to see fee hikes including:
National archives and library research fees
Environmental compliance assessments
Tourism site entry fees
Costs of official documents, forms, certified copies, affidavits, and licenses
Growing Concern Among Citizens
The sweeping fee adjustments come at a time when Ghanaians are still adjusting to macroeconomic shocks and currency in instability.
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