President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a newly constituted Hajj Board with a firm directive to operate under clear guidelines, ensure transparency, and maintain constant engagement with key religious and administrative stakeholders.
The Board, tasked with organising Ghana’s annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, has been instructed to maintain close collaboration with the Office of the National Chief Imam, regional imams, travel partners, and Saudi authorities to prevent miscommunication and operational lapses.
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President Mahama emphasised that while government would provide policy and logistical support, accountability must be central to all Hajj operations.
At the close of each pilgrimage season, the Board is expected to submit a comprehensive report covering finances, logistics, health, safety and lessons learned to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
He stressed that the Hajj must never become a channel for exploitation, calling profiteering from pilgrims “haram” and unacceptable.
The President also announced a major shift toward digitalisation of Hajj operations. From this year, all authorised payments must be receipted electronically, with e-registration, SMS notifications, and a dedicated Hajj mobile app to enhance transparency and reduce fraud.
He added that improved data management through digital tools would support better planning in subsequent years.
President Mahama said the Hajj belongs to the entire Muslim community across Ghana, not any single group, and therefore, access and registration must be fair and regionally balanced.
He urged the Board to engage traditional leaders and regional imams to ensure every community feels included in the process.
Six out of the nine board members were sworn in at the ceremony, including Mr Shaibu Mahama, Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, Mrs Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar, and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim.
The Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, along with two female members currently in Saudi Arabia on official duty, will be sworn in after their return.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Mr Shaibu Mahama expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
