Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a strong warning to individuals who act as unofficial middlemen—commonly referred to as “goro boys”—for attempting to infiltrate Ghana’s passport acquisition system.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa declared a zero-tolerance stance toward these agents, emphasizing that their continued interference threatens the integrity and credibility of the passport issuance process.

“We will not allow goro boys to infiltrate the system,” he stated firmly. “This administration has no tolerance for individuals who exploit the system for personal gain.”

The Minister explained that recent reforms at the Passport Office have significantly curtailed the operations of these intermediaries. As a result, some are now attempting to re-enter the process by posing as couriers or facilitators in new, deceptive ways.

“Since implementing reforms that closed the door on goro boys, they are now trying to reinvent themselves and find new ways into the system. Let me be clear—we will not tolerate them,” he said.

Mr. Ablakwa underscored that these notorious middlemen previously thrived on inefficiencies within the old system, taking advantage of unsuspecting Ghanaians in urgent need of travel documents.

In addition to reiterating the government's commitment to transparency and efficiency in passport issuance, the Minister confirmed that the cost of ordinary passport booklets has officially been reduced from GH¢500 to GH¢350.

He stressed that the Ghanaian passport is a sensitive security document and must be handled with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

“Our passport is not just a travel document—it’s a vital national asset. It must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” Mr. Ablakwa concluded.