Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE PILGRIMS Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has warned Ghanaian Muslims not to use tourist visas or any unapproved means to travel for the 2026 Hajj.
PAOG’s Communications Director, Alhaji Mohammed Aminu Lamptey Hussein, told Accra-based Amanie FM that Saudi authorities have stepped up security and introduced new technology to stop people from entering holy sites illegally.
He explained that Saudi Arabia has improved surveillance, expanded monitoring systems, and tightened checkpoints. According to him, these measures are meant to protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage and ensure that every pilgrim follows approved procedures.
Alhaji Lamptey revealed that a new tracking system will be used to monitor pilgrims registered under PAOG. This will help officials identify people trying to perform Hajj with tourist visas or other unauthorized documents. Anyone caught doing so, he warned, will face arrest and sanctions by Saudi authorities.
“Hajj is a sacred duty from Allah, and it must be done through legitimate channels,” he stressed. He advised all prospective pilgrims to register only through accredited Hajj agents or pay directly at the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB).
In a bid to make the pilgrimage more affordable, he announced that President John Dramani Mahama, after consultations with stakeholders and the National Chief Imam, has reduced the 2026 Hajj fare from GHC 62,000 to GHC 60,000.
Alhaji Lamptey also spoke about the recent Hajj and Umrah conference, which discussed improvements in transportation, accommodation, food services, crowd control, and preparations at Mina. These discussions, he said, aim to ensure a smoother Hajj experience for Ghanaian pilgrims.
He emphasised that effective communication is vital for managing large religious gatherings and solving cross-border operational challenges. PAOG, he assured, is working closely with Saudi authorities to ensure a transparent and well-organized Hajj next year.
The Communications Director urged all intending pilgrims to remain patient, follow official instructions, and rely only on verified information from PAOG to avoid misinformation and fraud.
He reaffirmed PAOG’s commitment to providing timely updates and guiding all pilgrims safely through the 2026 Hajj process.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
