The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to commence preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to commence preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The Chairman of PAOG, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana in Jeddah last Sunday, affirming the country’s readiness to participate in the upcoming Hajj.
The agreement, which establishes the operational framework for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Hajj, contained key areas, including pilgrim slot allocations, service contracts, accommodation and transportation arrangements.
It also covered camp bookings, visa procedures, welfare and health standards.
This was contained in a statement signed by Alhaji Mohammed Aminu Lamptey Hussein of the Communications Directorate of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), in Accra.
During the signing ceremony, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviewed Ghana’s past performances, identified challenges, and discussed strategies to further enhance the experience and welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims while upholding the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The statement said both parties also agreed on specific timelines for operational readiness, camp and transport arrangements and accommodation bookings to be managed through a Musuk Masar digital platform.
The agreement marks Ghana’s official inclusion in the 2026 Hajj exercise, subject to any unforeseen circumstances, and sets clear expectations for service quality, health compliance and timely coordination.
Timely payment
The Chairman of PAOG, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, extended warm greetings to all Ghanaian Muslims and Hajj stakeholders.
He further urged prospective pilgrims to pay their Hajj fare of GH¢60,000 promptly to enable smooth planning and effective coordination ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage.