The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has implemented additional measures to combat corruption in the passport application process.
The Ministry has provided contact information for applicants to report any instances of extortion so that appropriate action can be taken.
The following are: Email address: [email protected]
024-091-3284, 024-079-3072, 020-455-2056, 020-455-2750, 026-804-9031, 026-979-4871.
This comes after sector minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey fired a number of passport office employees for assisting intermediaries (Goro boys) in charging between GHS2,000 and GHS3,000 for passports.
According to media reports, the issue of 'Goro lads' in the passport application process has become widespread.
On Monday, August 14, she made an unannounced visit to the passport office in Accra for this purpose.
After the visit, she stated to the press, "This particular visit has become essential due to the reports I've received. There are allegations that officers...are implicated in illegal activity.
"When I mention illegal activities, everyone understands. Two days ago, the Daily Guide reported that the issue of goro individuals participating in our passport acquisition process has become widespread.
"It is improper. It is improper to increase the cost of obtaining a passport from GHS100 for standard service and GHS150 for expedited service to GHS2000 and GHS3000, respectively.
"The goro lads are outside the passport office; they need a partner inside, as they cannot complete the task on their own. People pay between GHS2000 and GHS3000 for a passport. Why is this the case?"