Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Sam George, has cautioned the public against using unauthorised agents commonly known as “Goro Boys” to process passport applications, as he announced the rollout of a nationwide digital passport delivery system by Ghana Post.
Speaking during a sector update on digital transformation, the Minister confirmed that Ghana Post has begun the nationwide distribution of secure embedded passports on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This is a major step in our digital delivery ecosystem,” Sam George stated. “Ghana Post has been tasked with the delivery of embedded passports.”
However, he expressed concern over growing incidents of failed passport deliveries, which he attributed largely to applicants using middlemen or “Goro Boys” during the application process.
“We’re having challenges with the delivery of passports in some instances, and this is simply because citizens fail to realize that if you register for a passport using a Goro Boy, and he uses his phone number to make the application, Ghana Post will call the number on the application,” he explained.
According to the Minister, when the delivery personnel call the number associated with the application, it often belongs to the Goro Boy. This results in confusion and undelivered documents, as delivery protocols require that the identity of the recipient matches the photograph on the passport.
“When the delivery person gets to that individual, the person must show us an identity that matches the photograph on the passport,” he said. “So when you use a Goro Boy, and his number is what we call, and he appears at the delivery point, we will not hand over the passport to a third party.”
The Minister stressed that such undelivered passports are returned to Ghana Post, after which many affected individuals take to social media to complain despite being at fault for breaching the official process.
“These same people now go online and complain that their passports are not being delivered,” Sam George noted. “Let me be clear: it is a criminal offence for you to use a Goro Boy to apply for a passport. The process, as designed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is efficient, it is swift, and it works.”
He defended the digital delivery system, praising Ghana Post’s performance in executing the passport distribution mandate.
“The delivery system put in place by Ghana Post is robust, efficient, and effective. There is absolutely no need to engage a middleman.”
Hon. Sam George also highlighted another common issue frustrating timely delivery recipients being unavailable during delivery hours.
He pointed out that many applicants fail to accommodate delivery personnel during regular working hours, expecting deliveries to be made late at night or after working hours.
“When delivery men call recipients, they say, ‘I’m at work, I’ll call back,’ and then they return the call at 8pm expecting the delivery to be made then,” he said. “We don’t keep the passports with the delivery people. If they’re unable to deliver to you during the standard time, the passport is returned.”
The Minister urged the public to understand how the digital delivery process works and to cooperate with Ghana Post staff to maintain the integrity and speed of the service.
“We urge the public to appreciate the nuances of a digital delivery system,” he said. “The integrity of the system is dependent on us being sure that we can ascertain who we are delivering the passports to. For timely deliveries, citizens must work with the postal services as they get to you.”
He concluded his remarks with a subtle rebuke to those who vent their frustrations online without understanding the delivery system.
“If you don’t do your part and then go online to tag the Minister for Foreign Affairs saying he’s not doing his work… anyway,” he added, with a note of exasperation.
