Ghana’s advance team for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia, initiating key preparations to ensure a smooth and successful exercise for Ghanaian pilgrims.

The delegation, led by Abubakar BN Tanko, touched down in Jeddah before proceeding to Mecca after a brief stopover.

Upon arrival, the team engaged in a high-level meeting with Ghana’s Consul General and his delegation to deliberate on critical operational areas, including accommodation, catering, transportation, medication supply, and medical licensing.

The discussions are aimed at finalising arrangements with Saudi-based service providers ahead of the arrival of pilgrims.

As part of their mandate, the team has begun thorough inspections of selected hotels, assessing key facilities such as elevators, staircases, air conditioning systems, lighting, and sanitation standards.

Particular attention is also being given to the proximity of accommodation to healthcare centres to ensure prompt medical response when needed.

According to a statement from the Communications Directorate of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, led by Abdul Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to guarantee the safety, comfort, and overall welfare of Ghanaian pilgrims.

The statement noted that the advance team is working closely with Saudi authorities and service providers to ensure all logistical and operational requirements are met.

Preliminary assessments indicate generally satisfactory conditions, although a comprehensive verification process remains ongoing.

The team is currently undertaking a second phase of inspections, with planned visits to Medina, Mina, and Arafat to finalise arrangements across all key pilgrimage locations.