Passport Head Office shuts down few days to Hajj pilgrimage

Ghana Passport Head Office Closes After Alleged Attacks on Staff

On Friday, May 9, 2025, some Zongo youth attacked the staff at the Passport Head Office in Ridge. They were upset about delays in passport processing for Muslims traveling for Hajj. The Director of Passports and a foreign consultant fled for their safety during the incident.

The attack occurred at night as the youth demanded immediate passport release. They wanted to prepare for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. The staff attempted to explain the situation but were not listened to.

By Saturday, May 10, 2025, checks revealed that the office had been shut down. It is unclear when it will reopen. If it remains closed, this could impact Hajj pilgrims waiting for their passports.

Pilgrims are expected to start departing Ghana for Hajj on May 10, 2025. This closure follows a recent announcement by Foreign Minister Samuel Okedzeto Ablakwa about a new 24-hour passport service. This service aims to reduce passport acquisition time to just 15 days.

The Minister also introduced four new policies effective April 28, 2025. One policy will lower application fees from GH¢500 to GH¢350 but requires parliamentary approval first.

Earlier reports indicated that the National Identification Authority announced new fees for Ghana Card registration services. First-time registration and record updates will cost GH¢310 each. Card replacements will be charged at GH¢420, while simultaneous updates and replacements will cost GH¢355.