Ghana’s Hajj quota has been raised to 5,000 pilgrims for 2025 due to successful negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The fare has dropped to GH¢62,000, which is a 17.3% reduction, aimed at making the pilgrimage more affordable. Additionally, the government faces a $5.41 million debt from prior operations as it seeks to ensure more inclusive participation in Hajj.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has increased Ghana’s Hajj quota for 2025 from 4,000 to 5,000 pilgrims. This announcement was made by Alhaji Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Task Force, during a press conference in Accra. The increase resulted from productive negotiations at a recent Hajj conference in Saudi Arabia, allowing for beneficial agreements with service providers for Ghanaian pilgrims.
The fare for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has been set at GH¢62,000 (approximately $4,130 based on an exchange rate of GH¢15 to a dollar), marking a 17.3% decrease from last year’s fare of GH¢75,000. Alhaji Dauda noted that this reduction aligns with President’s recommendations to make Hajj more affordable for average Ghanaian Muslims, especially ahead of the December 2024 elections.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims who are financially and physically capable, and the efforts to lower costs are part of a commitment from political leaders to the Muslim community. The task force managed to secure this fare reduction through diligent negotiations.
The chairman also revealed an accrued debt of $5.41 million linked to the previous administration’s operations, including $446,933 owed to catering services, $4,429,260 for flights, and $533,333 for educational services. The government plans to investigate these financial discrepancies.
Seth Ibrahim Ayi, Public Relations Officer for the Hajj Agents Association, expressed appreciation for the fare reduction, emphasizing that it will likely encourage higher participation in the pilgrimage. Each year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to Saudi Arabia in the holy month of Dhul Hijjah to perform Hajj, which involves a series of significant religious rites.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims worldwide. Ghanaian participants have a government-established quota determining how many can perform the pilgrimage each year, which is subject to adjustments based on negotiations with Saudi authorities. Additionally, fare affordability is crucial for increasing participation, particularly during election periods when political promises seek to enhance the support of the Muslim community.
Ghana’s increased Hajj quota and reduced fare reflect a positive shift in accessibility for pilgrims. Efforts to negotiate favorable terms for Hajj 2025 demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting its Muslim citizens. Continued attention to previous financial debts indicates a need for accountability. Overall, the developments encourage broader participation in this significant Islamic pilgrimage.
Original Source: www.graphic.com.gh
