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 officially commence preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The agreement, signed in Jeddah on Sunday, November 9, formally confirmed Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Hajj season.
According to a statement from the PAOG Communications Directorate, the Chairman of PAOG, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, signed the MoU on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.
During the signing ceremony, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviewed Ghana’s previous Hajj operations, identified challenges, and discussed strategies to enhance coordination and improve the welfare of pilgrims.
The discussions, according to the statement, centered on maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage while strengthening service delivery to Ghanaian pilgrims.
The MoU established the operational framework for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Hajj, covering key areas such as pilgrim slot allocation, service contracts, accommodation and transport arrangements, camp bookings, visa processing, welfare, and health standards.
It further noted that both parties agreed on specific timelines for operational readiness and logistical arrangements, which will be managed through the Musuk Masar digital platform to promote transparency and efficiency.
The agreement underscores the importance of timely coordination, health compliance, and service quality in ensuring a successful Hajj season for Ghanaian pilgrims.
Following the signing, Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for their continued cooperation and support. He extended warm greetings to Ghanaian Muslims and encouraged prospective pilgrims to make early payments of the Hajj fare of GH¢60,000 to facilitate smooth planning and coordination.
The signing of this agreement marks another significant milestone in Ghana’s Hajj operations and strengthens the long-standing partnership between Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the management of Islamic pilgrimages.