The PAOG Chairman exchanging the MoU with a Saudi official after the signing ceremony
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has officially 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 2026 Hajj Agreement on behalf of the Government of Ghana in Jeddah last Sunday, affirming the country’s readiness to participate in the upcoming Hajj.
These are contained in a press release signed by the Communications Director of the PAOG, Hajj Mohammed Aminu Lamptey Hussein.
During the signing ceremony, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reviewed Ghana’s past performance, identified challenges, and discussed strategies to further enhance the experience and welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims while upholding the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The MoU establishes the operational framework for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Hajj, outlining key areas including pilgrim slot allocations, service contracts, accommodation and transportation arrangements.
Others include camp bookings, visa procedures, welfare and health standards.
Both parties also agreed on specific timelines for operational readiness, camp and transport arrangements, and accommodation bookings to be managed through the 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.
The PAOG Chairman, 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.
Earlier, the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf bin Mohamed Al Maawda and the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah officially signed the 1447, Islamic calendar, Hajj arrangements and agreements, marking a major milestone in the final preparations for the approaching 2026 Hajj season.
The signing took place during Minister Al Maawda’s participation in the 5th edition of the Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.