It has been lengthy period that Ghanaians have asked for liable governance. Her Excellency (Mrs.) Anita Evelyn Stokes-Hayford, who took office less than 12 months, have shown an act of unjust and disingenuous to Ghanaians residents in Italy. Her so called initiative “door steps consular services” must be recognized a service she took over. That team of 3 officials made up of Asher Safo, Kobby Aidoo and Eugene Mensah Larbi must reminisce that, this same scheme was adopted by His Excellency Mr. Agyei Amoamah, the immediate past Ghana ambassador to Italy, without any extra cost. However, the current ambassador propelled her team to carry out that same operation, forcing applicants to make registration of €20.00 for each passport applied.

To the most excellent of knowledge, the cost of Ghana passport in Italy is €115.00 and €200.00 hence children and adults respectively. In addition, the embassy bears the cost of every service rendered as far as Ghanaian residents in Italy are concerned. After the then ambassador had explored some of the Ghanaians communities in Italy, he observed the challenges they were facing and instigated that manoeuvre. For instance, applicants from Palermo in the southern part, must travel 2 days, probably putting their jobs in jeopardy.

This same team led by the previous Minister Consular himself-Mr Bathels travelled from Rome to Trento, Rome to Milan, Rome to Palermo-on the Sicily Island, Rome to Naples just to mention a few. They were interacting with Ghanaians and were giving them the best of their services. Today, it is understood that Rome embassy has a lady Minister Consular even though no one knows her. May I ask Her Excellency where she undertook her tour? Has she ever been informed if there were regions in the southern part of Italy like Campagna, Calabria, and Sicily? The embassy knows very well there are Ghanaians living in the above mentioned regions with well functioning Ghanaian Association.

During the operation at Verona on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th August, about 350 applicants turned up. Some applicants enquired why they were charging €20.00 for registration apart from the actual passport fee. Sadly, it was noted that one of the officers called him out of the hall and iced up his mouth. Another couple also turned up with 4 children. They were to pay €120.00 in addition to their definite €860.00 passport fees. When asked why €120.00 additional cost, one officer replied “some families have paid €1.500 and you are crying”. “I will make €20.00 reduction for you” he added. Another boy who agued ferociously that should they insist on registration, he had already registered with the Ghana Association in Verona. “Either you register with the embassy to get your passport processed or you take your documents away” the officers replied violently.

To conclude, the authority must realise how the economic recession has affected a lot of Ghanaian living in Italy. Many people are at home unable to pay their rent. Probably they need new passports to renew their permit of stay. Constitutionally, it is not written that Diasporas must file €20.00 registration with their embassies before they are offered assistance. Concerned Ghanaian across the country, therefore, asks Her Excellency (Mrs.) Anita Evelyn Stokes-Hayford to come out and explain why €20.00 registration with the embassy before passport is issued.