The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has officially suspended all activities related to the 2026 Hajj arrangements, effective immediately, citing “immeasurable pressure” on administrators.

In a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey Hussein, said all operational processes leading to this year’s Hajj — including payments, documentation and submission of required materials — have been duly concluded, barring any unforeseeable circumstances.

The Office stressed that only prospective pilgrims who submitted their passports and all required documents within the stipulated timeframe were considered for visa processing.

“Visa processing could not commence without full compliance with the documentation requirements,” the statement noted.

PAOG also urged prospective pilgrims to take key administrative steps seriously, noting that early payment, effective medical screening, and timely passport submission are measures that would significantly contribute to a smoother, more efficient Hajj process.

The statement said medical screening has been successfully completed in selected regions and centres, with the remaining screenings for the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions scheduled for February 22 and February 28, respectively.

PAOG further indicated that lessons from this year’s operations will be used to strengthen future Hajj arrangements, ensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and improved service delivery.

The Office also issued a reminder to prospective pilgrims under special arrangements (Protocol) to submit their passports as soon as possible to complete the process.

They were also directed to participate in the medical screening either in Kumasi or at the Hajj Village in Accra.

PAOG advised all prospective pilgrims and stakeholders to await further official communication on the subsequent phases of the pilgrimage.