Foreign Affairs Minister Decries GHS2k, GHS3k Payment For Ghanaian Passport As Unacceptable

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has taken action against some officers at the passport office for their involvement in aiding “Goro boys” to charge exorbitant fees for passport services.

The “Goro boys” are intermediaries who charge higher fees to assist passport applicants in obtaining expedited services, which should cost significantly less.

The minister’s decision to sack these officers comes in response to reports of widespread corruption and illegal activities within the passport acquisition process. In an effort to address these issues, Ayorkor Botchwey made an unannounced visit to the passport office in Accra on August 14.

During her visit, Ayorkor Botchwey expressed her concern over the prevalence of “Goro boys” and the inflated fees they charge, which are far beyond the standard charges for passport services. She emphasized that such practices are unacceptable and stated that individuals paying thousands of Ghanaian cedis for passport services is wrong and unjust.

Ayorkor Botchwey highlighted the need to maintain transparency, fairness, and integrity in the passport acquisition process. She also acknowledged that the involvement of certain officials in these illegal activities undermines the reputation of the passport office and negatively affects citizens who are seeking legitimate services.

The minister’s actions reflect a commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that passport acquisition services are accessible to all citizens at the standard and expedited service fees set by the government.

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