The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the creation of a dedicated passport centre exclusively for Ghanaian Hajj applicants.
The initiative aims to simplify and speed up the passport application process for Muslims preparing for the sacred pilgrimage.
Speaking at the Hajj Village on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for pilgrims. The special centre will be operational from March 4 to March 13, 2025.
“We recognize that securing travel documents promptly has been a significant challenge for many. To address this, the Ministry has established this special passport centre to serve only Hajj applicants,” he stated.
As part of the intervention, the government has also subsidized the cost of expedited passport processing to make it more affordable for pilgrims.
“In collaboration with the government, we have reduced the cost of expedited passport processing. 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,” Hon. Ablakwa revealed.
To further expand access beyond Accra, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is setting up dedicated kiosks at regional passport centres to cater to applicants across the country.
“This initiative ensures that applicants outside Accra are not left out. Dedicated kiosks will be available at various regional passport application centres to extend this service nationwide,” he added.
The move has been widely welcomed by the Muslim community, with many commending the government’s proactive approach to easing travel preparations for Hajj pilgrims.