No More Passports for Middlemen – Foreign Affairs Minister Warns

By Joylinda Laryea / June 26, 2025

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a strong warning against the practice of delivering passports to third parties and middlemen, popularly known as 'goro boys.'

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that under his leadership, passports will be delivered strictly to their rightful owners as part of efforts to enhance passport security and clamp down on fraud.

This move comes as the government rolls out a new passport delivery system aimed at expediting and safeguarding the passport acquisition process. The Minister cautioned applicants to provide accurate and verifiable addresses during the application process to ensure smooth and secure delivery through designated courier services.

“We have observed attempts by some middlemen to abuse the new system by applying for multiple passports and demanding that they be delivered to them. That will not be tolerated,” Mr. Ablakwa stated firmly.

He explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with courier companies, will require applicants to present valid identification before any passport is handed over. “Passports are highly sensitive security documents. We are not about to give them to non-Ghanaians or people who are not the real owners,” he added.

The Minister stressed that this directive is part of broader efforts to prevent passport fraud and protect the integrity of Ghana’s identification systems. The only exception, he noted, would apply to minors, who may not be in a position to personally receive their passports.

“We are sending a clear message: if you are not available, you won’t receive your passport. There will be no room for infiltration or abuse of the system,” he warned.

The Ministry has assured the public that it remains committed to a transparent and secure passport issuance process that serves the interest of genuine applicants.