Passport Office Shut Down After Zongo Youth Storm Office Demanding Hajj Passports

Accra, Ghana - 10 May 2025 - The Passport Head Office in Accra has been temporarily closed following an alleged attack by a group of disgruntled Zongo youth.

The incident occurred on Friday night when the group stormed the premises demanding immediate release of their passports for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when officials' explanations failed to satisfy the crowd, forcing the Director of Passports and a foreign consultant to flee for safety. The attack has left the office deserted, with only one security officer present during a visit on Saturday.

The closure comes amid efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve passport services, including a recently launched 24-hour service and courier delivery system aimed at reducing processing time to 15 days. Staff had been working extended hours to clear backlogs, but the attack has disrupted these efforts.

The incident has caused frustration among passport applicants, particularly those traveling for the Hajj pilgrimage. Some pilgrims are expected to depart on Saturday via a direct flight from Tamale, while others are set to leave on Monday and Tuesday.

It remains unclear when full passport services will resume at the head office

Source: Lead News Online