A rising tide of concern grips Ghanaians due to extensive delays in passport issuance. The public is urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Passport Office to expedite the process.
Usually, applicants anticipate receiving their passports within six to 12 weeks for standard service and within four weeks for premium options. Contrary to this, recent complaints reveal backlogs extending up to eight months, an issue persisting since last year. Official numbers point to a staggering 9,000 unresolved applications.
According to a report by Graphic Online, these delays have spawned a network of unauthorized agents, commonly known as ‘goro boys.’ Exploiting the situation, they charge desperate applicants up to GH¢2,000, a steep hike compared to the standard fees of GH¢100 for regular and GH¢200 for premium services.
Interviews conducted in Accra between August 28 and 31 suggest that many people are open to paying officially higher fees for quicker service. However, a common fear exists. Trust in the system is waning, fostering concerns that even accelerated official processes might be manipulated.
Stephen Jagri, an Atiwa West District Assembly official, applied for his passport in January and still waits. An agent even offered to speed up his application for additional unofficial fees. “The passport process has become a stressful bidding war,” Jagri noted, emphasizing that higher official fees don’t ensure quicker service.
Margaret Oduro of Trust Hospital, Accra, suggested that a transformative fast-track system, priced between GH¢500 and GH¢800, could benefit those urgently needing visas. This sentiment is widely echoed, with many willing to pay double the premium service charge for timely issuance.
Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway recently criticized Passport Office officials for alleged collusion with ‘goro boys’. This highlights the urgent need for administrative reforms and greater transparency to regain public trust and streamline the process.
