By Hannah Dadzie
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration says it has observed with grave concern some complaints by some passport applicants about extortion and mistreatment meted out to them at some Passport Application Centers (PACs).
In an effort to deal with the situation, the Ministry has urged applicants who suffer mistreatment and extortion to report such incidents to the following email address and mobile numbers with the names of the officers and the PACs for redress: ipab@mfa.gov.gh, 024-091-3284, 024-079-3072, 020-455-2056, 020-455-2750, 026-804-9031, and 026-979-4871.
A statement from the Ministry further reminded the general public that the passport applications are made on the passport application portal, passport.mfa.gov.gh, and payment for the approved processing fees for the passport is made on the ghana.gov.gh platform based on the 32-page booklet (GH¢ 100.00) and 48-page booklet (GH¢ 150.00).
The statement added that the payment is made electronically and not by cash.
“As part of measures to be implemented, all officers will be made to wear name tags. The public is thereby advised not to engage any person who is unable to identify themselves with the issued name tags, as they mostly likely are middlemen, usually referred to as “goro boys,” the Ministry said.
It further urged passport applicants to always use the official channel to acquire their passports and desist from engaging unauthorized persons in the passport application process. The statement also said officers who have already served more than a year at the PACs will be replaced with immediate effect, and the Ministry’s policy of the yearly rotation at the PACs will be enforced to the letter.
“The public is advised to note that applications submitted to the regular PACs do not come at an extra cost. However, applicants have the option of submitting their applications to the Premium PACs, which attracts an additional GH¢150.00 payable in cash at the Premium Centres for the use of their service,” the statement added.
The Ministry therefore counts on the cooperation of the public in addressing this menace.
Background
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey voiced her concern over the persistent instances of extortion and corruption within the Passport Office following a visit to the Passport Office on Monday, August 14. The Minister shared her bewilderment at the unjust practices that applicants are being subjected to by individuals working there.
A 2021 report by the UNODC named passport agency officials among public officials who accept the most bribes in Ghana. Twenty-nine per cent of passport officials were found to be involved in collecting bribes at an average of GHS392 each.
The Minister lamented the fact that such extortion and disrespect were occurring despite the office’s vital role in facilitating international travel. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey implored Passport Office staff to desist from engaging in extortionate practices. She enjoined them to uphold professional decorum, adhere to high standards of workmanship, and treat applicants with due respect.