Story: Flying Officer Gaddiel Etwire

Pictures: by Cpl Kyereme Evans

State agencies at the Tamale International Airport have intensified inter-agency collaboration to ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations. The coordinated national effort is aimed at facilitating the movement of thousands of Ghanaian pilgrims to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Key institutions involved in the operations include the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Ghana Police Service (GPS), National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Aviation Security, National Ambulance Service and Ghana Health Service, among others.

The Ghana Armed Forces, particularly Air Force Base Tamale in collaboration with 6 Infantry Battalion and 69 Airborne Force, continues to play a critical role in maintaining security throughout the operations. Personnel have been strategically deployed at the Hajj Village and other key locations within the airport enclave to provide security, crowd control, access control and general operational support to ensure a safe and orderly exercise.

Officials from the Ghana Immigration Service have been facilitating immigration clearance and travel documentation, while the Ghana Police Service and Aviation Security personnel maintain law and order within the operational areas. NACOC and Customs officers are also conducting routine screening and checks to ensure compliance with aviation and national security regulations.

The Ghana National Fire Service has maintained standby emergency response teams and firefighting equipment to support operational safety at the airport, while health officials continue to undertake medical screening and other public health responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Airports Company Limited continue to provide operational oversight and technical coordination to ensure adherence to international aviation safety standards and the smooth management of flight operations during the Hajj exercise.

The collaborative effort among the various agencies has ensured effective coordination of security, passenger processing, immigration procedures, baggage handling, safety inspections, and emergency response services throughout the Hajj period. Personnel from the different institutions continue to work closely to guarantee the safety and comfort of pilgrims and airport users.

Officials involved in the operations have commended the high level of cooperation among the various agencies, noting that the success of the annual Hajj exercise depends largely on effective coordination, professionalism, and teamwork among all stakeholders.

The ongoing collaboration continues to demonstrate the commitment of state institutions towards ensuring a safe, secure, and well-coordinated pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims undertaking the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia.