Hajj delays: 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 their passports for the upcoming 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 aims to reduce passport acquisition time to 15 days and clear backlogs. The launch included 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 services will resume at the head office.

Citi News understands no official complaint has been filed with police yet. Fati Musah, an applicant, was turned away 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.