Ghana Water Limited Schedules Barekese Shutdown as PAOG Releases 2026 Hajj Return Flight Plan

Ghanaian authorities have issued two major public notices regarding essential utility maintenance in the Ashanti Region and the logistics for the return of Hajj pilgrims. Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has scheduled a temporary shutdown of the Barekese Water Treatment Plant to facilitate critical repairs, while the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has proactively released the provisional return flight schedule for the 2026 Hajj season. These announcements serve to prepare citizens and travelers for upcoming service interruptions and logistical requirements.

Regarding the water supply in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Ghana Water Limited announced that the Barekese Water Treatment Plant will be closed from 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, until Thursday, June 11. This two-day shutdown is necessary for engineers to carry out essential maintenance on a primary transmission pipeline. GWL has emphasized that these repairs are vital for the long-term reliability of water distribution in the region. Residents and commercial entities in Kumasi and surrounding communities are strongly advised to store sufficient water in advance to mitigate the impact of the outage, with services expected to resume immediately upon completion of the works.

On the international travel front, the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana has detailed the return arrangements for pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj. The provisional schedule spans from June 12 to June 24, 2026, utilizing a total of 16 flights. To ensure an organized arrival, seven flights are slated for the Tamale International Airport, while nine will land at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Each pilgrim has been allocated a luggage allowance of 46 kilograms, distributed across two bags. The PAOG has scheduled the weighing of luggage to commence on June 8, 2026, to streamline the boarding process.

Both agencies have underscored the importance of relying on official communication channels during these periods. The PAOG specifically cautioned pilgrims to avoid misinformation regarding flight times and baggage policies, while GWL assured the public of their commitment to restoring water services promptly. These updates reflect ongoing efforts by state institutions to coordinate large-scale public services and infrastructure management efficiently across the country.