Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has affirmed that Ghana offers the most affordable fare for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage compared to its neighboring countries in the West African sub-region.
Speaking to the media during the commissioning of a new satellite passport office at the Hajj Village, Collins Dauda revealed that Ghana’s Hajj fare stands at $4,100, equivalent to GHS62,000. This fare, he emphasized, is significantly lower than what is being charged in countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, where pilgrims pay over $5,000.
“Among all our neighboring countries, Ghana’s fare is the cheapest. In Nigeria, it is over $5,000; Burkina Faso, over $5,000; Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, also over $5,000. However, Ghana has maintained a fare of $4,100, and there are no plans to reduce it further at this time. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, the fare remains GHS62,000,” he stated on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Deadline for Hajj Payments
The government has set a strict deadline of March 13, 2025, for the payment of Hajj fares. Alhaji Collins Dauda cautioned prospective pilgrims and their agents to ensure timely payments to avoid complications.
To ensure a smooth pilgrimage process, the Hajj Board has decided to limit the number of pilgrims to 5,000. The chairman emphasized that the cap is necessary to prevent logistical issues and ensure seamless travel arrangements.
“We are airlifting only 5,000 pilgrims this year. Once this number is reached, no further payments will be accepted. We don’t want situations where individuals pay but are unable to travel. Agents have been advised to closely monitor the system to avoid accepting payments from those who cannot be accommodated,” he added.
Enhancing Pilgrim Services
The newly commissioned satellite passport office at the Hajj Village is expected to streamline the passport acquisition process for pilgrims. This premium service is part of the government’s broader initiative to improve the overall Hajj experience for Ghanaians.
With Ghana leading the sub-region in offering affordable fares, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that as many Muslims as possible can fulfill their spiritual obligation without undue financial burden.
Story by :Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
