The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, managers of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Ghana, have extended the deadline for payment of fares by prospective pilgrims.

Friday, July 15 was the original deadline for the 2016 pilgrims.

But in a statement over the weekend, the Office said it has decided to extend the deadline to Saturday, July 23.

“The decision became necessary because we are looking forward to attain yet again another successful Hajj pilgrimage in Ghana and so consider the contribution of every single stakeholder very important.” Payment was opened on March 9.

The fare for this year’s travel has been pegged at GH¢11,900 and payment is expected to be made at any Unibank branch.

The pay-in slips will be shown at the Hajj Village near the Kotoka International Airport for registration. Accompanying the slip should be a biometric passport, a vaccination card, 12 passport-sized pictures and GHC200 for customized bags and handling charges.

“Our officers at the documentation department will be expecting you from the hours of 8am to 5pm of the five working days including Saturdays.”

The first batch of pilgrims from Ghana will be airlifted directly from the Tamale Airport to Saudi Arabia from Saturday, August 20.