Passport Head Office Temporarily Closed After Alleged Attack Over Hajj Delays

The Passport Head Office located at Ridge in Accra has been temporarily closed after a reported security breach involving a group of individuals allegedly from the Zongo community.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, May 9, when a group of aggrieved individuals entered the premises demanding the immediate release of their passports in order to meet travel deadlines for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

Sources indicate that explanations provided by officials at the scene did not satisfy the crowd, leading to heightened tensions. The situation compelled both the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant—who had been deployed to assist with the expedited processing of passports for pilgrims—to leave the facility for safety reasons.

This incident comes in the wake of recent reforms introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline passport issuance. These reforms include a 24-hour service model aimed at reducing processing times to 15 days and addressing application backlogs. The new system also features courier delivery and a week-long rotational shift structure to enhance operational efficiency.

During a visit to the Ridge office on Saturday, May 10, at approximately 1:54 p.m., Citi News observed limited activity at the facility. Only one plainclothes security officer was stationed at the gate, and two foreign nationals were seen leaving the premises.

Reports further suggest that, on the night of the disturbance, only two police officers were on duty and were unable to manage the large group, reportedly consisting of over 20 individuals who arrived on motorbikes.

At this time, it is not confirmed when the Passport Office will resume full operations. Citi News has also learned that an official report has not yet been filed with the police.

Ms. Fati Musah, an applicant who arrived at the facility to collect her biometric passport, was unable to do so and expressed concern about the implications of the delay. “Some pilgrims are scheduled to depart on Monday and others on Tuesday. Any further hold-ups may disrupt travel arrangements,” she stated.

Meanwhile, a group of pilgrims is scheduled to depart Accra on Saturday, May 10, via a direct flight from Tamale.