President John Mahama has sworn in the newly constituted Hajj Board, chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, with a firm call for precision, transparency, and innovation in managing Ghana’s annual pilgrimage.
He urged the board to begin preparations for the next Hajj immediately, emphasizing early planning, clear schedules, registration procedures, and cost structures to prevent last-minute disruptions that often cause anxiety for pilgrims.
On financial management, the President stressed that all payments must pass through traceable and approved channels, warning against unofficial levies and hidden charges. “Pilgrims and their families must know how their money is used,” he said, adding that trust is the “currency of leadership.”
Mahama highlighted the safety, health, and welfare of pilgrims as a top priority. He called for improved coordination with the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Transport, and Ghana’s Embassy in Riyadh to ensure safe travel, adequate accommodation, proper meals, and efficient medical care, especially for the elderly, women, and persons with disabilities. He noted that the inclusion of a heart surgeon on the board will strengthen medical preparedness.
The President also stressed the importance of courtesy, fairness, and honesty among officials and volunteers, ensuring pilgrims feel respected throughout the process.
To modernize Hajj administration, Mahama tasked the board with developing a Hajj Mobile Application to allow pilgrims to register, verify status, track payments, and access travel information. He said this innovation will reduce fraud, ease congestion, and improve long-term planning.
He concluded by urging constant engagement with the Office of the National Chief Imam, regional imams, travel partners, and Saudi authorities, noting that “coordination prevents crisis and communication prevents rumours.”
