Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: 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 MoU establishes the operational framework for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 Hajj, outlining key areas such as pilgrim slot allocations, service contracts, and accommodation and transportation arrangements.

It also covers camp bookings, visa procedures, and welfare and health standards.

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.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the 5th edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition.

At the brief ceremony Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also 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.

According to a statement released by the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, both parties have 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 GHS 60,000 promptly to enable smooth planning and effective coordination ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage,” the statement read.