Government Launches Dedicated Passport Centre for Hajj Pilgrims, Retains ₵500 Expedited Fee
In a move to streamline passport processing for Hajj pilgrims, the government has announced the establishment of a dedicated passport centre and maintained the expedited processing fee at ₵500.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Hajj Village. He emphasized that the new measures aim to simplify the application process for Ghanaian Muslims preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
“We are pleased to confirm that the expedited passport processing fee remains unchanged at ₵500,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. He acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by applicants in securing travel documents on time and assured that the Foreign Ministry has implemented robust measures to address delays.
To ensure a seamless experience, the government has set up a dedicated passport centre at the Hajj Village. The centre, operational from March 4 to March 13, 2025, will exclusively serve Hajj applicants, prioritizing their needs to guarantee timely processing.
“This special facility is designed to cater solely to Hajj pilgrims, providing them with the necessary support to secure their travel documents efficiently,” Mr. Ablakwa explained.
Regional Support for Pilgrims
In addition to the Accra-based centre, the ministry is deploying kiosks at regional passport application centres across the country. This initiative aims to extend the service to applicants outside the capital, ensuring nationwide accessibility.
“To make the process more inclusive, we are introducing kiosks at regional passport centres. This will allow pilgrims from all regions to benefit from the expedited services,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
The government’s efforts underscore its commitment to facilitating a hassle-free pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims, ensuring timely access to essential travel documents.
