2027 Hajj: Pilgrims Affairs Ghana closes payments to prevent oversubscription

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the immediate closure of payments for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, citing concerns over oversubscription.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Office said the decision was aimed at managing the number of pilgrims within Ghana’s approved quota and ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage.

PAOG explained that oversubscription had previously resulted in administrative backlogs and operational difficulties during Hajj operations.

“This proactive measure seeks to prevent oversubscription, a challenge that has historically resulted in administrative backlogs and operational difficulties during Hajj operations,” the statement said.

The Office added that closing payments at this stage would allow it to align the number of confirmed pilgrims with the approved quota for the 2027 pilgrimage.

“Managing pilgrim numbers within approved limits remains critical to delivering a safe, efficient, and successful Hajj,” it said.

PAOG stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of prospective pilgrims and the country, particularly to ensure that those who have already paid are successfully processed and airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

“We wish to emphasize that this decision was made in the best interest of prospective pilgrims and the nation to ensure that all paid pilgrims are successfully airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.

Prospective pilgrims who were unable to complete their payments before the closure have been advised to prepare for subsequent Hajj arrangements.

The Office also warned the public against individuals who may claim that they can still secure opportunities for people to participate in the 2027 pilgrimage.

The announcement comes days after PAOG approved and accredited 42 agents for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage. The Office advised prospective pilgrims to transact only with accredited agents, while also allowing direct payments to the Hajj Board Secretariat.

PAOG had also encouraged intending pilgrims to pay their fares promptly and indicated that partial payments would not be accepted. The 2027 Hajj fares were reported to remain unchanged at the time of the announcement on September 3.

The move to control pilgrim numbers also follows similar measures taken ahead of the 2026 Hajj. PAOG previously closed payments for the 2026 pilgrimage to prevent oversubscription and align confirmed pilgrims with the approved quota.

Ghana subsequently began airlifting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia on May 1, 2026, with about 5,000 pilgrims expected to travel during the exercise.