The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government of Ghana has established a sate-lite passport office at the Hajj Village in Accra to expedite passport processing specifically for Hajj pilgrims.
Speaking at the Hajj Village on Tuesday, 4th March, Mr Ablakwa emphasised that this initiative marks a significant milestone in the country’s history, ensuring that pilgrims can obtain their passports with ease.
The move, he stated, is in line with the government’s broader agenda to improve service delivery for all citizens.
Mr Ablakwa revealed that the initiative has the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama, which affirms his commitment to ensuring that essential government services are accessible to all Ghanaians.
The centre will operate from Tuesday, 4th March, to Thursday, 13th March 2025.
As part of the intervention, the cost of expedited passport processing has been reduced to make it more affordable for pilgrims.
“In collaboration with the government, we are pleased to announce that the cost of the expedited passport processing has been subsidised. Instead of the usual GH¢700, applicants will now pay GH¢500 for a 32-page passport, which will be processed within just three (3) days,” Mr Ablakwa revealed.
He assured applicants that the Foreign Ministry is fully committed to ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery throughout the period.
To ensure wider access beyond Accra, the Ministry is also setting up dedicated booths at various regional passport application centres to cater to applicants across the country.
“To extend this service to as many people as possible, we are also setting up dedicated booths at various regional passport application centres, ensuring that applicants outside Accra can also benefit from this initiative,” he stated.
“For the first time in our nation’s history, the government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has taken deliberate steps to streamline and expedite passport processing specifically for Hajj pilgrims.
This initiative, which has the full support of His Excellency, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, is testament to the government’s commitment to serving the needs of all Ghanaians, regardless of their background, and ensuring that every citizen has access to essential government services in a timely and efficient manner,” he stated.
He noted that the government recognises the importance of facilitating a smooth pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims.
He said, with the introduction of a more efficient passport processing system for Hajj pilgrims, the government aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure a seamless travel experience.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by members of the Muslim community, who see it as a progressive step towards inclusivity and improved public service delivery.
Mr Ablakwa revealed that, as part of passport reforms, other religious groups and association who require such mobile services will also be attended to.
“Just apply and they’ll come and help as we move to demistify passport processing and bring it at the doorstep of the people”, he added.
Acting Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda commended government for the quick response , assuring that, government is committed to making this year’s Hajj a memorable one.
