Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has criticised passport office employees, accusing them of engaging in corrupt activities that have tarnished the reputation of the office.

Additionally, she ddcried the hefty sums Ghanaians are charged for a passport.

The minister expressed her frustration with the alleged practice of extorting money from applicants by both passport workers and individuals known as "goro boys and girls" to expedite their services. 

Ms Botchwey emphasised the need to cleanse the passport system and has consequently relieved staff assigned to the office, effective from August 21.

Highlighting the prevalence of corruption within public and civil service, the minister affirmed that an ongoing investigation is in progress, and individuals found guilty will face appropriate penalties. 

She also revealed her directive to establish an online system for passport applications, which unfortunately, has been exploited for monetary gain.

"I told my officers to put up an online system. Now, the online system is being manipulated so that people can make money off it", she complained.

"There are investigations going on, and some names have been mentioned. There’s a cartel of people who are working with people from inside". "Anybody who has been here for more than one year, from Monday on, please do not come back because you have been changed", she ordered. She said: "We want to bring some sanity. Every time, we say, 'Politicians are corrupt', meanwhile, it is some public and civil servants who will do things that shouldn’t be done, and then they will be put it on politicians. We are trying to bring sanity into the system but no".

During a surprise visit to the Passport Office, the minister expressed her displeasure with the current passport fee of over GH¢3000 for Ghanaian citizens.

In an effort to restore integrity to the system, Botchwey is determined to tackle corruption within the ranks of public and civil servants, ultimately aiming to create a more transparent and accountable environment.

Sompaonline.com