The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, yesterday announced that passports will be issued and delivered within three working days maximum for the Muslims Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Special booths have been set up in all regions outside Accra to assist pilgrims, with a target to serve 5,000 Ghanaians for the 2025 Hajj.
Speaking at the Hajj Village yesterday in Accra, Mr Samuel Okudzeto stated that the reform was part of the president’s agenda to overhaul the passport system, which had faced criticism for its “inefficiencies and corruptions” in the past years.
“An expedited passport price of GH¢500 will be charge instead of GH¢700, starting from March 4 to March 15 for qualified Pilgrims. This exercise will reduce passport-processing time from weeks to a maximum of three days and offering delivery services to recipients’ homes or offices,” he explained.
Additionally, Mr Ablakwa declared that religious bodies, travel and tour operators, or organisations, embarking on group trips could arrange for a satellite centre to issue passports for their members.
“This move is expected to facilitate travel for groups and reduce the hassle associated with obtaining passports.
The reforms is aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the passport application and issuance process,” the minister said.
The chairperson of the Hajj Task Force, Alhaji Collins Dawda, applauded the Minister and expressed his heartfelt appreciation, citing that a historic moment had been made in Ghana and the Islamic community are setting a passport centre at the Hajj Village to provide passport for the pilgrims.
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“For the first time ever, passports will be issued directly at the Hajj Village, making it significantly easier for pilgrims to obtain their travel documents. This unprecedented step is expected to leave a lasting impression on Muslims in Ghana, who will undoubtedly be grateful to President Mahama and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for their efforts in making this process more convenient,” Alhaji Dawda added.
The Director of Passport, Mr Kwasi Asante, assured the qualified Pilgrims that every arrangement had been put in place to ensure a smooth pilgrimage, and urged them to put up their best behaviour and observe every rules and regulations while they undertake this exercise
