Some corrupt immigration officials are illegally charging travelers GHC100 as “Virgin Passport” charge, a traveler just reported.
“Vera Mensah” traveling to Lagos this morning on a freshly issued Ghanaian passport was charged GHC100 for carrying a “virgin passport” because she had no previous stamp in it.
“Have you ever heard of paying for “Virgin Passport ” before they stamp at the border, Vera asked. “100gh each from everyone with “Virgin Passport.”
Vera continued that on her “last trip (she) lost (her) passport. (she) had to pay 150 to use (her) Ghana Card to pass the border,” although it has been communicated that the Ghana Card is sufficient to travel through ECOWAS member countries.
Meanwhile checks at the Ghana Immigration Service showed no such surcharge in its books. DNT’s contact at Ghana Immigration Service insisted that there is no such charge and expressed anger at the idea that some officials are tarnishing the image of the service.
It is, however, refreshing to note that the immigration official who confirmed the non-existence of such a surcharge is pushing aggressively for the border immigration official who charged “Vera Mensah” for using the so called “virgin passport” to be identified for immediate arrest.
But “Vera Mansah” is currently out of reach, being out of the country, so is unavailable to provide the needed information until her return.
DNT News, Aflao
