New Passport Delivery System Blocks ‘Goro Boys’, Says Foreign Affairs Minister

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaians that no passport will be given to anyone other than its rightful owner under the new passport delivery system introduced by the government.

Speaking to the press on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa explained that the Ministry has rolled out a new method of delivering passports to improve how citizens access the service. He urged applicants to provide correct contact and address details during the application process to make the delivery safe and efficient.

He warned against the actions of ‘Goro boys’ (unauthorised middlemen) who he said are trying to abuse the system. “Goro boys are trying to do multiple application and are trying to say that the courier companies should deliver the passports to them. That will not work,” he said.

The new system requires individuals to show valid identification to collect their passports from courier services. “You must show evidence that it is you. Passports are security documents; we are not about to give passports to non-Ghanaians or people who are not the real owners of these passports,” he added.

Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the Ministry will not tolerate any attempts to bypass the new rules. “We want to send out a clear warning to those who want to infiltrate that they will not be tolerated. If you are not available, you are not available and will not receive your passport,” he stressed.

The only exception to the new rule, he said, will be for minors. In such cases, parents or guardians must show proof of relationship before collecting the passport on behalf of the child.

“We want to emphasise that does not exist any longer. We will not allow ‘Goro boys’ to infiltrate this new system,” he said.

He also confirmed that the earlier announced reduction in passport fees from GHC500 to GHC300 for the ordinary booklet remains in place. According to him, a bill on the revised fees and charges will soon be presented to Parliament. He noted that last year’s fee hike had led to a sharp drop in passport applications.