Hajj applicants: Passport Head Office shuts down over attacks

The Passport Head Office at Ridge in Accra is temporarily closed. This follows an alleged attack by a group of aggrieved Zongo youth. The incident happened on Friday night, May 9. The group demanded the immediate release of their passports for the Hajj pilgrimage.

A source told Citi News that officials could not satisfy the crowd. “No explanation to the angry mob was satisfactory,” the source stated. The situation escalated quickly. The Director of Passports and a foreign consultant fled for safety.

Recently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs launched a 24-hour passport service. This initiative aims to reduce passport processing time to 15 days. It also includes a courier delivery service and a week-long shift system for staff.

On Saturday, May 10, at 1:54 p.m., Citi News observed limited security at the office. Only one plainclothes officer was present at the gate. Two foreign nationals were seen leaving the premises.

Sources indicated that only two police officers were on duty during the incident. They were overwhelmed by over 20 men who arrived on motorbikes. It is unclear when full passport services will resume.

Citi News understands that no official complaint has been filed with police yet. Fati Musah, a passport applicant, was turned away by security while trying to collect her passport. She expressed frustration about potential travel delays due to Hajj departures.

Some pilgrims are expected to leave Accra on Saturday, May 10, via direct flights from Tamale.