Residents in the Bekwai municipality in the Ashanti Region mostly applicants in the ongoing security recruitment are outraged over alleged overcharging by staff at the local Birth and Death Registry office,
According to information gathered by local reporters, some applicants are being asked to pay up to Ghc 700 for a standard birth certificate, far exceeding the official fee of GHS 20.
Kwabena Danso-Dapaah reports that, “applicants are anxious to complete their security recruitment applications, claim they’ve been fleeced by the staff of Birth and Death in the area”
Some applicantswho spoke to reporter on condition of anonymity confirmed that:
“I was asked to pay between Ghc 500 to Ghc 700 for just a standard birth certificate. I knew something was wrong, but I needed the document urgently. …We’re being fleeced with some being asked to pay triple the official fees for birth certificates needed for the ongoing security recruitment.
“The overcharging is delaying our applications and causing unnecessary stress. We’re being taken advantage of at a time when we need these documents urgently for the recruitment,” said an applicant.
Another applicant echoed this sentiment “the overcharging is delaying our applications and causing unnecessary stress.”
Despite efforts by Reporter, Kwabena Danso-Dapaah to reach officials for comment, they remained tight-lipped, leaving the allegations unaddressed.
Meanwhile, the official fee structure shows significant discrepancies with the amounts being quoted by registry staff: Standard Birth Certificate: GHS 20
Certified Copy: GHS 30
Replacement Certificate: GHS 30
Express/Rush Service: An additional GHS 50
Late Registration: GHS 50-100
Corrections and Amendments: GHS 100-200
Kwabena Danso-Dapaah
