Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has dismissed a number of employees at the Passport Office who have stayed for more than a year.

Engaging the media on Monday, August 14, the Foreign Minister noted that the agency under her ministry has been cautioned against keeping staff for more than a year.

"This is not something that is new. We have always said no agency should keep their staff here for more than a year and yet this is overlooked sometimes.

"So I intend to ensure this is carried out to the letter," she stated.

Meanwhile, the sector minister has noted that her outfit is set out to capture intermediaries who charge unsuspecting Ghanaians exorbitant fees to get them their passports.

Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey noted that such individuals, popularly known as 'gorro boys' operate with workers within the Passport Office.

"Just two days ago, the report in Daily Guide that the issue of gorro people involved in our passport acquisition process has become ripe. It is wrong.

How can GHS100 for Standard Service to a passport and GH150 or expedited service be bumped up to GH2000 and GHS3000. It is wrong.

The gorro person is outside the passport office. They need somebody inside to work with. They cannot do it on their own," she said.

According to the minister, the Foreign Ministry has some leads and will at the appropriate time provide its findings.