The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has announced new measures to tighten passport delivery procedures, warning courier companies against handing passports to third parties or unauthorized individuals.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs addressing the media at the Ministry on Thursday, June 26, stressed that only the rightful owners of passports will be allowed to receive them, upon presentation of valid identification such as a Ghana Card or an expired passport. The directive forms part of broader reforms to eliminate the activities of “goro boys” middlemen who previously took advantage of the system.
“We are not about to give our passports to non-Ghanaians or people who are not the real owners of these passports,” the Ministry emphasized, reiterating that passports are sensitive security documents and must be protected from misuse.
The only exception to this rule applies to minors, and even in such cases, strict verification of parental or guardian identity is required before a passport can be handed over.
So far, 79,230 passports have been successfully delivered to applicants through courier services. The Ministry urged Ghanaians to provide accurate delivery addresses to avoid delays and ensure smooth processing.
In addition, the Ministry reaffirmed that passports are essential documents and not a luxury, adding that government is working to reduce application fees from ¢500 to ¢350. A Fees and Charges Bill to that effect will soon be laid before Parliament for approval.
Source: Ghana/starrfm.com.gh/Emmanuel Mensah
