President Mahama Cautions Against Commercialization of Hajj Pilgrimage
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the importance of treating the Hajj pilgrimage as a sacred religious and spiritual journey, rather than a profit-driven venture.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the new Hajj Village on Friday, February 28, President Mahama stressed that any excess funds from the Hajj process should be channeled into projects benefiting Zongo communities.
This year, a task force was established to manage the Hajj, led by Alhaji Collins Dauda, due to the realization that the time frame before the pilgrimage was too short. Following the Hajj, a Hajj Board will be constituted, and its chairman appointed. President Mahama reiterated, “I have instructed the task force that the Hajj is not a business and should not be structured for profit.
The Hajj Board and Task Force must not aim to make a profit. If even one cedi remains after the Hajj, it should be donated to the poor or used for a project within the Hajj community.”
Indeed, as preparations for the Hajj are underway, the Task Force urges prospective pilgrims and accredited Hajj agents to complete payments and necessary procedures by March 13, 2025.
To facilitate a smooth pilgrimage, measures have been introduced to assist fully paid pilgrims in acquiring their passports. Accredited Hajj agents are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative.
In a move to make the pilgrimage more accessible, the Task Force has reduced the 2025 Hajj package fee from GHS 75,000 to GHS 62,000, providing financial relief and enabling more Ghanaian Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.
Source: Phalonzy