News Guide Africa

Tag: Ghana Hajj Board

  • The Sad Reality Of The Ghanaian Pilgrim

    The Sad Reality Of The Ghanaian Pilgrim

    Abdul-Wahab Jawando (Correspondent in Saudi Arabia, Marhaba 99.3 FM, Accra) Writes:

    I am sure that almost all Ghanaian pilgrims and aspiring pilgrims were delighted to be part of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

     

    Hajj is widely regarded as a divine calling. Although administrative lapses or personal negligence may sometimes prevent an individual from performing Hajj, many believers see the opportunity as an invitation from Almighty Allah.

     

    I must confess that we were in high spirits as we embarked on our journey. By the grace of Allah, we had a smooth and successful trip from Tamale/Accra to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. From the airport, we were transported to our hotels in Madinah, where we spent about 24 hours before proceeding to Makkah.

     

    The real excitement began at Zulhulaifa (Miqat), where we stopped to make our intention (niyyah) and put on our Ihram for Umrah, as we were performing Hajj Tamattu. The joy and enthusiasm on the faces of the pilgrims clearly reflected their readiness to embark on this sacred journey.

     

    The excitement continued throughout the journey from Madinah to Makkah, with pilgrims constantly reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…….”

     

    The happiness reached its peak when we left our hotels for the Holy Haram and caught our first glimpse of the Holy Kaaba. That unforgettable moment was followed by the performance of Tawaf and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

     

    Insha Allah, I will share a more detailed account of my experiences in subsequent writings, including our movements to Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Jamarat and our return to Mina.

     

    Fast forward to the time for our departure back to Ghana.

     

    Numerous announcements and reminders were made regarding luggage requirements and prohibited items. However, true to habit, some people took the instructions for granted, while others perhaps assumed they could find a way around the regulations.

     

    There were no major issues with the two 23-kilogram checked bags allocated to each pilgrim, as these had been weighed and processed days earlier at the designated centres.

     

    Then came the sad reality when it was time to board the flight with the 10-kilogram hand luggage allowance at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

     

    Many pilgrims exceeded the permitted weight and even carried oversized bags. The airline refused to compromise on the agreed baggage regulations established with the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.

     

    What was even more surprising was the nature of some of the items that had to be removed or abandoned. Among the prohibited or excess items were dried meat, sugar, milk, Lipton tea, canned drinks, bottled water, and even dried cooked rice;food items that had been served daily during our stay and were apparently being preserved by some pilgrims for transportation back home.

     

    Some individuals even wore as many as ten abayas at once in an attempt to “beat the system,” as the saying goes.

     

    Suddenly, strong and able-bodied men and women became visibly distressed and dejected. They had reached a point of no return. Large quantities of newly purchased goods had to be left behind at the airport.

    Many people cried openly and complained bitterly, describing the enforcement of the regulations as unfair treatment.

    These were the same pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia full of joy, excitement and gratitude. Yet many of them, especially those on the first and second flights, departed feeling disappointed, frustrated, and saddened.

     

    Now that this reality has dawned on some of our fellow Hujjaj, it is our hope and prayer that those yet to be airlifted back to Ghana will take the necessary precautions and comply with the baggage regulations. Otherwise, they may face the same unfortunate experience.

     

    As the saying goes, a word to the wise is enough………….

  • ’2026 Hajj a resounding success’ as Ambassador Alhaji Sinare commends pilgrims, lauds President Mahama’s visionary leadership

    ’2026 Hajj a resounding success’ as Ambassador Alhaji Sinare commends pilgrims, lauds President Mahama’s visionary leadership

    By: Adnan Adams Mohammed 

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Ghana’s newly commissioned Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare, has highly rated the organization of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, scoring its execution at an impressive 92%.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalist Abdul Wahab Jawando in Saudi Arabia, the veteran diplomat and politician highlighted a “total big, big difference” and significant structural improvements over the previous year, pointing to seamless coordination and exemplary pilgrim conduct.

    A “trouble-free” Hajj: Assessing logistics and facilities

    Reflecting on the complex logistical nature of moving thousands of Ghanaian Muslims across sacred sites, Ambassador Sinare gave high marks to the standard of facilities provided.

    ● Excellent accommodations: The Ambassador confirmed that housing arrangements in both Madina and Makkah were highly successful and met premium comfort standards.

    ● Seamless operations: From the departure of the very first flight to the arrival of the last, the entire process was described as entirely “trouble-free,” devoid of the historical logistical crises that often plague the annual exercise.

    ● “We cannot claim 100% perfection, but this year’s organizational matrix ranks very high. Our people traveled with dignity, and they were cared for with dignity,” Amb. Sinare remarked.

     

    Strict Saudi regulations and pilgrim discipline

    A major focal point of the 2026 Hajj season was the uncompromising stance of the Saudi authorities regarding safety and legality. The Kingdom introduced highly advanced airport scanners capable of detecting illicit items and banned medications anywhere within luggage.

    Ambassador Sinare revealed that ahead of the trip, severe warnings had been issued, noting that penalties for smuggling banned substances included devastating 20-to-30-year prison sentences. He expressed massive relief that no Ghanaian pilgrim fell victim to arrests or security breaches.

    “Thanks to intensive pre-trip sensitization and rigorous social media alerts, our pilgrims behaved impeccably. They respected the laws of the host nation, and we returned home with our national pride completely intact,” he said.

     

    Collaborative leadership style: Eyeing a 99.9% future

    When asked about his approach to handling his diplomatic duties, Ambassador Sinare championed a leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, and rigorous foresight.

     

    He shifted the spotlight from himself to heavily praise the collective machinery behind the operation, giving immense credit to:

    ○ The Hajj Board Chairman and its dedicated board members.

    ○ The proactive staff at the Ghana Embassy, including his Deputy and the Consular General.

    True to his reformist nature, the Ambassador stated that he is not content with resting on current laurels. Plans are already in motion to convene high-level meetings with the Hajj Board leadership to dissect the minor administrative hiccups encountered this year such as passport delays and visa regularizations with a firm target to achieve a near-flawless 99.9% success rate for the 2027 Hajj.

     High praise for President John Mahama

     

    Turning his attention to domestic politics and statecraft, Ambassador Sinare who was recently commissioned by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House offered a glowing assessment of the current administration’s trajectory.

     

    Lauding President Mahama’s governance style and diplomatic vision, Amb. Sinare emphasized that the President’s focus on clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for foreign missions is already yielding tangible results. He noted that Mahama’s strategic directives to leverage diplomacy for investment, tourism, and job creation have re-energized Ghana’s foreign policy.

     

    “President Mahama is leading with clarity, economic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to accountability. It is this same structural discipline we are mirroring here in our diplomatic and Hajj operations to ensure Ghana remains a beacon of excellence on the global stage,” the Ambassador concluded.

     

     

  • President Mahama Applauds Hajj Board’s Efforts, Mourns Pilgrims Lost in Saudi Arabia

    President Mahama Applauds Hajj Board’s Efforts, Mourns Pilgrims Lost in Saudi Arabia

    Source: Muhammed Faisal Mustapha

    President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Hajj Board and all stakeholders for what he described as the successful organisation of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    According to the President, approximately 6,900 Ghanaian pilgrims were airlifted to Saudi Arabia to perform the sacred Islamic pilgrimage, with reports indicating that arrangements for accommodation, feeding, transportation and the general welfare of pilgrims had been satisfactory.

     

    Speaking in his Eid-ul-Adha message, President Mahama said he had received encouraging reports regarding the conduct of the pilgrimage and the services provided to Ghanaian pilgrims.

     

    “I have received encouraging reports on their accommodation, feeding arrangements, transport and overall welfare,” he stated.

     

    The President therefore commended the Ghana Hajj Board and all individuals and institutions involved in the pilgrimage exercise for their dedication and hard work in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

     

    Touching on the significance of the pilgrimage, President Mahama noted that the Day of Arafah, observed on Thursday, remains one of the holiest days in Islam, during which pilgrims gather to pray, seek forgiveness and offer supplications to Allah.

     

    He prayed for Allah’s acceptance of the prayers and supplications offered by Ghanaian pilgrims and asked for their safe return home after completing the religious rites.

     

    “We pray that Almighty Allah will accept the prayers and supplications of all our pilgrims and grant them a safe return journey back home,” he said.

     

    The President, however, expressed sadness over the deaths of Ghanaian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.

     

    On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, he extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased.

     

    “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray that Allah will forgive their sins and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” President Mahama said.

     

    The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and attracts millions of Muslims from across the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.

  • Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 pegged at GH¢60,000

    Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 pegged at GH¢60,000

    The New Hajj Board Chairman, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, has announced that the Ghana Hajj fare for 2026 will be GH¢60,000.

    This year’s quota has been set at 6,872 pilgrims, with a possibility of increasing to 10,000 after justification, In Sha Allah.

    According to sources, the new fare is a result of negotiations between the Hajj Board and service providers. The quota increase is expected to provide more opportunities for Ghanaian Muslims to perform the holy pilgrimage.

    It is worth noting that President John Mahama had previously projected a potential reduction in Hajj fare to less than GH¢50,000 for 2026, citing the cedi’s performance against foreign currencies as a determining factor.

    However, the actual fare for 2026 has been set at GH¢60,000.

    The Ghana Hajj Taskforce had previously reduced the fare from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000 for the 2025 pilgrimage, citing diligent negotiations and collaboration with service providersy.

  • Hajj Management: Ghanaian Muslims petition Mahama for a ‘reset’

    Hajj Management: Ghanaian Muslims petition Mahama for a ‘reset’

    The Muslim community in Ghana has petitioned President, John Dramani Mahama, as part of the ‘Reset Ghana Agenda’ to establish a permanent Authority or Management team to handle Hajj pilgrimage.

    The petition, presented under the auspices of His Eminence, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Nuhu Sharubutu, called for the need to “reset” Hajj operations to ensure transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the dignity of Ghanaian pilgrims.

    Signed by major sects and Muslim organisations in the country, including: Ahlussuna Wal Jama’a, the Shia Muslim Community in Ghana, Tijjaniya Muslim Movement of Ghana, Faidhatul Tijjanniya Brahimiya Council, the National Council of Zongo Chiefs, Muslim Ummah Associations in Ghana, Jama’at Tabligh, the Conference of Regional Chief Imams, and other allied groups, the petition called for legal recognition and inclusivity.

    They acknowledged that, while President Mahama has demonstrated goodwill towards the Muslim community through initiatives such as the introduction of Islamic finance, Islamic banking, and the declaration of an extra holiday for Muslims, the administration of Hajj remains one of the most troubled areas of public concern.

    “For over 14 operational years (2009–2024, excluding two COVID-19 years), Hajj bodies in Ghana have collected an aggregated amount of about US$ 282,565,000 in fares. Yet, successive management bodies have failed to provide annual audited reports. This lack of transparency has not only burdened pilgrims economically but also tarnished the image of Ghanaian Muslims,” the petition underscored.

    A call for legal recognition and inclusivity

    Central to the petition is the demand for a legally recognised and incorporated Hajj body, capable of suing and being sued, unlike the ad-hoc committees that have dominated Hajj administration in recent years. Stakeholders pointed to the example of the National Hajj Council, established in 2005 under the leadership of the National Chief Imam, which was a limited-by-guarantee body that produced publicly available audit reports.

    “The lives of thousands of Ghanaians and millions of US dollars cannot be entrusted to a body without legal status,” the petition read, adding that the absence of such recognition undermines accountability and effective governance.

    The groups also criticised the lack of inclusivity, arguing that major Muslim stakeholders have been sidelined in recent Hajj management arrangements. They called for a reconstituted Hajj body that includes broad representation from Ghana’s diverse Islamic traditions and leadership structures.

    Concerns over politicisation and subsidy narrative

    The petition lamented what it described as the “excessive politicisation” of Hajj operations, where appointments and decisions are often influenced by partisan considerations. “We must depoliticise Hajj operations to focus solely on the welfare of pilgrims. The Hajj body should be autonomous and non-governmental, operating in the best interest of the Muslim Ummah,” it emphasised.

    The groups also objected to the widespread perception that the government subsidises Hajj fares, arguing that this notion damages the image of Muslims in Ghana. “The system should be transparent enough to make it clear that Hajj is funded solely by pilgrims, without any government subsidy,” they urged.

    Proposals for reforms

    Beyond legal reforms and depoliticisation, the petition outlined nine critical areas for restructuring, including:

    Establishing a permanent, legally recognised Hajj body.

    Ensuring the body is autonomous and non-governmental.

    Enforcing transparency and accountability through audited financial reports.

    Guaranteeing the inclusivity of major Muslim stakeholders.

    Ending partisan interference in Hajj administration.

    Managing the Hajj package in a way that removes the perception of government subsidies.

    Introducing different service packages and development levies to improve affordability while supporting community projects.

    Allocating part of Ghana’s national Hajj quota to qualified private operators to encourage competition and better services.

    Implementing strict measures to curb unapproved routes to Saudi Arabia, which in the past two years have resulted in tragic loss of lives and damaged Ghana’s reputation.

    In particular, the petition cited the 2024 Hajj season in which 17 Ghanaian pilgrims lost their lives, and the 2025 season where over seven more deaths occurred. It also condemned the rise in Ghanaians attempting to perform Hajj using tourist visas, describing it as “an embarrassment to the nation.”

    Stakeholders appeal to President Mahama’s legacy

    The Muslim leaders expressed confidence in President Mahama’s “bold decision-making record” and appealed to him to establish a lasting, depoliticised, and accountable Hajj structure as part of his legacy.

    “As a pillar of Islam that demands the highest standards, Hajj management must reflect best governance practices. We appeal to His Excellency to help us reset this critical institution so that Ghanaian pilgrims can perform their sacred duties with dignity and peace of mind,” the petition concluded.

    If implemented, stakeholders argue, the reforms would restore confidence in Ghana’s Hajj system, improve the welfare of thousands of pilgrims, and leave a historic legacy of fairness and accountability in Muslim affairs.

  • Ghana’s Hajj Journey: Transformation and Progress Over the Last Decade

    Dr Shaibu Ali

     

     

    By Dr. Shaibu Ali

    Over the last decade, Ghana’s Hajj system has experienced a profound evolution, showcasing a commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims. The Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars, has been a vital spiritual undertaking for Muslims for over 1,400 years, symbolizing unity, devotion, and equality before God. Ghana’s participation in this sacred tradition dates back centuries when pilgrims would travel on arduous journeys by foot, camel caravans, or by sea. These early travels were fraught with hardship, often lasting months and requiring immense resources and resilience.

    I. C. Quaye

    With the advent of air travel in the 20th century, the Hajj process became more accessible but remained fraught with challenges such as delayed visas, logistical issues, and inadequate support. However, over the last ten years, Ghana’s Hajj system has undergone systematic reforms, creating a smoother and more dignified process for the country’s pilgrims.

    One of the standout reforms has been the introduction of the Universal Bagging System. Previously, pilgrims often faced the distressing issue of missing luggage, which could compromise their Hajj experience and lead to additional financial burdens. The Universal Bagging System not only eliminated these losses but also streamlined the logistics of luggage management. By integrating the bagging system into the overall Hajj package, the need for a separate cargo system was removed, significantly reducing associated costs. This innovation exemplifies the system’s focus on efficiency and pilgrim convenience.

    Ben Abdallah

    Visa processing has been another area of significant improvement. In the past, delays in visa issuance caused anxiety and uncertainty among prospective pilgrims, with some even missing the opportunity to perform the Hajj. Today, the process has been streamlined, ensuring that anyone who pays their fees is guaranteed a visa. This timely and reliable system alleviates stress and ensures that the focus remains on spiritual preparation.

    Food services have also seen substantial enhancements, with meals now provided at every critical location on the pilgrimage journey. Pilgrims are assured of nutritious and timely meals in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and even at the airport, ensuring that their energy and focus are sustained throughout the physically demanding pilgrimage. This improvement reflects a deeper understanding of the practical needs of pilgrims.

    The provision of Zamzam water has also been revolutionized. Previously, pilgrims would face logistical challenges in obtaining and transporting this sacred water back to Ghana. Today, Zamzam water is shipped to Ghana in advance, ensuring that pilgrims receive it conveniently upon their return. This logistical foresight eliminates the strain on returning pilgrims and allows them to focus on their spiritual fulfillment.

    Orientation sessions at the Hajj Village have resolved longstanding issues of misinformation and confusion. Pilgrims now receive clear and comprehensive briefings on their journey, ensuring that they understand every step of the process. This proactive approach prevents the chaotic last-minute rushes that were common in previous years and allows pilgrims to embark on their journey with confidence.

    Ibrahim Tanko

    Transportation has been significantly upgraded, with high-quality buses ensuring seamless travel between key sites such as Madinah, Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Jeddah. These modern vehicles prioritize safety, comfort, and punctuality, enabling pilgrims to focus on their spiritual obligations without worrying about logistical challenges.

    A major innovation has been announced by the deployment of service personnel from the police, fire service, and military to assist task teams. Their presence ensures order, security, and rapid responses to emergencies, further enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims.

    The success of these reforms is a testament to the leadership and dedication of various individuals across different regimes. Alhaji Alhassan Bene, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, Hon. I.C. Quaye, and Hon. Ben Abdallah have all played pivotal roles in advancing Ghana’s Hajj system. However, special gratitude must be given to the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ghana with their hardworking employees, who worked tirelessly over the years to see these progress. Their efforts were instrumental in addressing core challenges and setting new standards of excellence in Hajj management.

    Despite these remarkable strides, there is still room for improvement. Restructuring the Ghana Hajj Board to enhance governance and accountability could further strengthen the system. Adding new ports of embarkation and upgrading regional airports would make the Hajj more accessible to pilgrims from different parts of the country. Engaging in negotiations with Saudi civil aviation authorities could help reduce airfare costs and provide additional flight options. Finally, depoliticizing the Hajj system would foster greater transparency, trust, and inclusivity.

    The story of Ghana’s Hajj system is one of progress, resilience, and a commitment to service. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a well-organized and efficient process, the system reflects the collective effort to ensure that Ghanaian Muslims can fulfill their religious obligations with dignity and ease. With continued innovation and strategic leadership, the Hajj system is poised to reach even greater heights, serving as a model for other nations while preserving the sanctity and significance of this sacred journey.