Former Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, has clarified that the two Hajj pilgrims from Bawku recently reported as unaccounted for in Parliament were not registered through the official Hajj Board.

Speaking on Pan African TV on July 20, 2025, Fuseini stated emphatically that the missing pilgrims, referenced by MP Mahama Ayariga, did not go through the official registration process.

He explained that some individuals choose to travel to Saudi Arabia using unauthorised agents and alternative visa types, such as tourist visas, which come with numerous restrictions.

"The two missing pilgrims may have gone independently. All pilgrims who registered with the Hajj Board have been accounted for, except for those Allah called to Himself during the pilgrimage. There were about 10 of them, but everyone else returned safely," Fuseini said.

He used a local analogy to underscore his point stating, "You see, you can't buy kenkey from Abena and go to Adwoa to collect the pepper. The Hajj Board cannot account for persons they did not register."

Fuseini took the opportunity to caution prospective pilgrims against using unapproved channels to participate in the Hajj.

He noted that the 2025 Hajj was conducted under stricter conditions than previous years.

Some individuals who traveled on tourist visas were denied entry into Mecca, as authorities required proper documentation at every stage to permit access and participation in Hajj rituals.

VPO/MA

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