The "Gorolization" of the Ghanaian System
Benedicta Naa Odarkor Ablateye , BA, MSc, ACIMG
Corporate Communications and Project Management Consultant|| Techie ???? || Social Media Manager|| Coach
In Ghana, the term "Goroboy" or "Gorogirl" is widely known, referring to a middleman or middlewoman. This local term is used when conducting business and trying to expedite processes by bypassing official procedures.
Most of us have relied on the services of these individuals at some point, often due to frustration with the slow and unreliable official systems when trying to get things done on time.
This article does not seek to justify the role of these middlemen and women, but rather to explore how we can effectively manage their influence and establish a more efficient and reliable system.
The Goro boys and girls are influential individuals who have established a presence in various institutions, especially those owned by the government. They have developed extensive networks and are familiar with numerous personnel in these offices, enabling them to facilitate access to the necessary services. Their presence is notably significant at institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Passport Office, Health Centers (specifically the Birth and Death Registry), the Lands Commission, and the National Identification Authority. It’s important to note that their assistance comes at a cost, with fees exceeding these institutions' standard charges. Despite the higher fees, many individuals are willing to avail of their services due to their ability to deliver the desired results.
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In August 2023, the Daily Guide Network shed light on the pervasive corruption and bribery infiltrating the Ghanaian passport acquisition system. The report implicated retired officials, security personnel, and law enforcement officers in the practice of demanding excessive fees to expedite passport processing, thereby severely undermining the system's integrity. In the same month of August, Citinews reported on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources tasking the Lands Commission to get rid of middlemen popularly known as “goro boys” from their operations.?
Now, the burning question arises - who bears the responsibility for the emergence of these factions? Is it the government, which has struggled to provide employment prospects for the youth? Is it the populace, or is it the fault of these establishments with systems that only serve to exasperate the citizens? While pondering this, it's crucial to acknowledge that we, as citizens, have played a part in enabling this group of individuals. This pattern has become deeply ingrained in our processes, to the extent that even when institutions implement functional systems, we still gravitate toward these groups due to our urgent deadlines.?
Could our institutions implement a more user-friendly, staffed by individuals trained to provide excellent service? If we could improve our systems, perhaps we could reduce the number of individuals who resort to acting as intermediaries, often referred to as "goro boys and girls". Or maybe, we can formalize the role of middlemen popularly known as goro boys. This issue is concerning, and I would like to hear different perspectives on the role of "goro boys and girls" in our business environment. Do you believe anything can be done about this, or do you think it's a dead end?
Gracias.
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6 个月It all has to begin from the top officials and ourselves.Well,l wouldn’t blame ourselves(consumers )that much.This is because the stress we sometimes go through in getting our rounds done can easily done by these goro boys and girls.Even though they are quite costly, they sometimes save us the stress of being tossed around.In all, l think the top officials being fair with us and not stressing us on purpose will decrease the work of these goro boys and girls.
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6 个月Another avenue should be created to recruit these all influential intermediaries. Again cleansing the system from the in-person engagement to rather an automated system would limit their presence. There must be a careful study into the dynamics. Building an accessible system devoid of fissures is the way to go. Discerning write up..??
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6 个月Very informative. However, it's worthy to note that these individuals are recruited by some heads of these institutions and other power breakers just for more money.
Research, Business and Project Management Consultant
6 个月Super nice read! To answer your question, I'd say everyone is to blame - both consumers and the system. We all are enablers of goroboys activities. However, I'd say it all began with failed systems! Yes, the systems failed us. Because why should it take you forever and unnecessary stress to get yourself a passport or to even have your business registered? When the systems are fixed, goroboys will be automatically shut out.
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6 个月I think lack of trust in the system is what fuels the activities of these middle men and women. Also the perceived difficulty in accessing these services. I use “perceive” becuase now the institutions are putting in place measures to make access to these services easy and seamless. They just have to intensify public education and explore ways of re-utilizing the services of these goro boys and girls ??.