The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the opening of a dedicated passport centre exclusively for Hajj applicants. The initiative is aimed at streamlining and accelerating the passport application process for Ghanaian pilgrims preparing for the sacred journey to Mecca.
Speaking on Tuesday, 4th March, at the Hajj Village, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that this move reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating a smooth travel experience for Muslims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
“Our ministry is fully committed to ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery throughout this period,” Mr. Ablakwa said, offering assurances to applicants seeking timely processing of their passports.
In an effort to ensure access to services beyond the capital, the Ministry is also setting up dedicated kiosks at regional passport application centres. These kiosks will cater to applicants from across the country, making it easier for those outside Accra to benefit from the initiative.
“To extend this service to as many people as possible, we are also setting up dedicated kiosks at various regional passport application centres, ensuring that applicants outside Accra can also benefit from this initiative,” he stated.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval within the Muslim community, who have commended the government for its proactive approach in easing travel preparations for Hajj pilgrims.
The special passport centre will operate from Tuesday, 4th March, to Thursday, 13th March 2025, offering expedited services to pilgrims.
Mr. Ablakwa further acknowledged the challenges many Ghanaians face in securing travel documents quickly, stressing the government’s dedication to improving accessibility to essential services. “We are not oblivious of the fact that for many, securing travel documents promptly has been a major challenge. To address this, our ministry has set up this special passport centre, operational from March 4 to March 13, 2025, exclusively to serve Hajj applicants,” he said.
The initiative is also aligned with the administration’s broader efforts to ensure timely and efficient government services for all citizens. Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that this effort is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to improving service delivery for Ghanaians, regardless of their background.
As part of the new initiative, the cost of expedited passport processing has been reduced, making it more affordable for Hajj pilgrims. “In collaboration with the government, we are pleased to announce that the cost of 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.
