Accra: The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, under the supervision of the Hajj Board, is set to commence the airlifting of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 1, 2026. Eighteen flights have been arranged for this exercise, starting in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital, and subsequently in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey, the Communications Director of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, revealed this development during an interview. An advanced team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia to ensure all necessary preparations are in place for the arrival of approximately 5,000 pilgrims.
In preparation for the upcoming Hajj, the Ghana Hajj Board has conducted three rounds of meetings with key stakeholders. These discussions aimed to identify challenges and propose solutions to issues related to Hajj coordination, which include crowd management, logistical inadequacies, and breaches of safety protocols.
Alhaji Lamptey emphasized the importance of interdepartmental communication, highlighting the roles of ICT, administration, communication, and the office responsible for guiding pilgrims through the spiritual and religious aspects of the pilgrimage.
Based on updates from the Ghana Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Lamptey conveyed a message from the Ambassador, Alhaji Said Sinare, urging Ghanaians to adhere to regulations and avoid carrying prohibited items. He warned that carrying contraband, including narcotics, could result in severe penalties.
Alhaji Lamptey stressed the importance of protecting the image of Ghana, Islam, and Muslims in Ghana. He cautioned against using unauthorized channels for undertaking the pilgrimage, noting that such actions could jeopardize future Hajj participation. He further explained that many rejected passports belonged to individuals who previously used unauthorized means, indicating stricter enforcement measures are now in place.