Accra: The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana has dispatched an 11-member advance team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The team, deployed on Friday, April 24, is operating under the leadership of the Chairman of the Hajj Taskforce, Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim. It includes experienced personnel such as Abubakar BN Tanko Bawa, alongside medical professionals and operational staff.

According to the PAOG, the advance team falls under the Grounds Operations Management Committee and comprises two doctors, two senior nurses, and additional support staff tasked with ensuring effective on-ground coordination.

Their primary responsibility is to finalise all logistical, administrative, and welfare arrangements ahead of the arrival of Ghanaian pilgrims.

This includes securing and inspecting accommodation, transport systems, and healthcare services in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as key pilgrimage sites such as Mina and Arafat.

The team is also expected to ensure that all electronic systems are fully operational, catering services meet required standards, and medical support systems are adequately prepared to guarantee a safe and seamless pilgrimage.

Officials say the delegation will further verify all arrangements to ensure the comfort, safety, and proximity of Ghanaian pilgrims to key religious sites during the Hajj.

The deployment of the advance team forms a critical part of Ghana’s broader strategy to improve Hajj management and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.

The country will officially commence the airlifting of about 5000 Hajj pilgrims from May 1, 2025.