President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to making the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable for Ghanaian Muslims, delivering on one of his key campaign promises. Speaking at the National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra, on January 10, 2025, the President expressed his determination to reduce the current prohibitive cost of GH¢75,000, which has made it challenging for ordinary Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation of performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
In his address, President Mahama acknowledged the financial burden the current Hajj fare places on the Muslim community and highlighted his administration’s plans to alleviate this challenge. He stated, “We intend to keep our promise that was made to the Muslim community. One was that we would reduce Hajj fares drastically.” His commitment was met with widespread approval from the congregation, which included prominent leaders and members of the Muslim community.
To spearhead this initiative, President Mahama announced the formation of a five-member Hajj task force, tasked with overseeing the country’s Hajj affairs and working toward achieving significant reductions in travel costs. The task force is led by Hon. Collins Dauda, Ghana’s longest-serving Member of Parliament, whose experience and dedication are expected to ensure the success of this initiative. The team is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 13, to participate in the Hajj conference and engage with relevant stakeholders to negotiate better terms for Ghanaian pilgrims.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of making the Hajj pilgrimage accessible to more Muslims, noting that the current fare excludes a significant portion of the population from fulfilling this sacred duty. He remarked, “One of the tasks I have given the team is to go and make arrangements so that we can bring the Hajj fares as low as possible, allowing as many Muslims as possible to perform the pilgrimage.”
The President’s remarks reflect his administration’s broader commitment to addressing the needs of Ghana’s Muslim community. By tackling the high cost of Hajj, Mahama aims to promote inclusivity and ensure that all Muslims, regardless of their financial circumstances, have the opportunity to undertake this important spiritual journey.
The establishment of the task force underscores the President’s proactive approach to fulfilling his campaign promise. The team’s mandate includes engaging with airlines, accommodation providers, and other service partners to negotiate reduced costs for transportation, lodging, and related services for pilgrims. By leveraging Ghana’s longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia and drawing on the expertise of the task force members, Mahama’s administration is optimistic about achieving a substantial reduction in Hajj fares.
The task force’s upcoming participation in the Hajj conference in Saudi Arabia marks a crucial step in this process. The conference provides an opportunity for countries to discuss logistical arrangements, share best practices, and negotiate terms with service providers. Ghana’s delegation, led by Hon. Collins Dauda, will advocate for measures that reduce costs while maintaining the quality and safety of services provided to pilgrims.
President Mahama’s initiative to lower Hajj fares is part of his broader agenda to support the Muslim community and ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources. During his address, he reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to upholding the rights and welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious background. This includes initiatives to improve education, healthcare, and social services in underserved Muslim communities across the country.
The announcement of the Hajj task force has been well-received by the Muslim community, which has long sought government intervention to address the rising cost of the pilgrimage. Leaders within the community have expressed their gratitude for the President’s commitment and are optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have on the lives of ordinary Muslims. Many view the establishment of the task force as a tangible demonstration of Mahama’s dedication to fulfilling his promises and addressing the concerns of his constituents.
For many Ghanaian Muslims, the opportunity to perform Hajj is a deeply cherished goal, representing a culmination of years of spiritual preparation and financial sacrifice. However, the rising cost of the pilgrimage has placed this dream out of reach for many. By addressing this issue, President Mahama’s administration seeks to restore hope and provide a pathway for more Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations.
The President’s efforts to reduce Hajj fares also align with his vision of fostering national unity and inclusivity. By addressing the unique needs of the Muslim community, Mahama demonstrates his commitment to building a society that values and respects diversity. This approach reflects the core values of his administration, which prioritize fairness, equity, and social justice.
As the task force prepares to embark on its mission, there is a sense of anticipation and optimism within the Muslim community. The team’s success in negotiating reduced Hajj fares will not only fulfill a key campaign promise but also set a precedent for future efforts to make the pilgrimage more accessible to all Ghanaians. The initiative serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and shared purpose in addressing complex challenges and achieving meaningful change.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s pledge to reduce the cost of Hajj represents a significant step toward promoting religious inclusivity and supporting the aspirations of Ghana’s Muslim community. By forming a dedicated task force and prioritizing this issue, his administration has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the needs of all citizens and ensuring that the Hajj pilgrimage is within reach for ordinary Muslims. As the task force embarks on its mission, there is hope that this initiative will bring about lasting change and create new opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and community development.
