Gov’t sets up dedicated passport centre for Hajj pilgrims, maintains ₵500 expedited fee - Ablakwa

The government has kept the expedited passport processing fee for Hajj applicants at ¢500 and established a special passport centre to speed up applications for Ghanaian pilgrims.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the initiative on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Hajj Village, explaining that the move is intended to ease the application process for Muslims preparing for the pilgrimage to Mecca.

“In collaboration with the government, we are pleased to announce that the cost of expedited passport processing remains at the usual ¢500 flat rate,” Mr Ablakwa said.

He acknowledged the longstanding challenges many applicants face in securing travel documents on time and assured them that the Foreign Ministry has put measures in place to prevent delays.

Special passport centre for Hajj applicants

To facilitate a smoother process, the government has set up a dedicated passport centre at the Hajj Village. The centre, which will operate from March 4 to March 13, 2025, will serve only Hajj pilgrims to ensure timely processing.

“This special passport centre will serve only Hajj applicants, ensuring they receive timely assistance,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

Regional support for applicants

To extend the service beyond Accra, the ministry is rolling out kiosks at regional passport application centres to assist applicants nationwide.

“To make the process easier for all, we are rolling out kiosks at various regional passport application centres so that applicants outside Accra can also benefit,” Mr Ablakwa added.