Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE PILGRIMS Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has officially closed all arrangements for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, bringing this year’s administrative process to an end.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Office said all operational activities — including payments, documentation, and official submissions — have been successfully completed. The closure, it explained, follows what it described as “immeasurable pressure on administrators” during the coordination of this year’s exercise.
According to PAOG, only prospective pilgrims who submitted their passports and all required documents within the approved timeframe were processed for visa applications. It stressed that incomplete applications or those that failed to meet documentation requirements would not be considered.
The Office noted that the smooth conclusion of this year’s arrangements was made possible through strict adherence to timelines and procedures. It emphasized that early payment of fees, timely passport submission, and proper medical screening remain critical to ensuring an efficient Hajj process.
Medical screenings have already been completed in selected regions across the country. However, screenings for prospective pilgrims in the Ashanti Region and Greater Accra Region are scheduled to take place on February 22 and February 28, respectively.
Authorities urged affected pilgrims to report promptly for their medical examinations to avoid delays.
PAOG further indicated that lessons learned from this year’s operations will inform future planning, with a renewed focus on efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery.
Prospective pilgrims under special or Protocol arrangements have also been advised to submit their passports as soon as possible to finalize their documentation. They are required to undergo medical screening either in Kumasi or at the Hajj Village in Accra.
The Office called on pilgrims and other stakeholders to await further official communication regarding the next phases of the pilgrimage. The statement was signed by Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey Hussein, Director of Communications of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
