The National Hajj Board led by its Chairman, Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, has confirmed that prospective pilgrims for this year’s hajj are expected to pay GHS15,000 apiece.

According to him, the ideal cost should have been GHS19,500 but stated that government will absorb the difference as part of efforts to support Muslim pilgrims.

Addressing a news conference in Accra on Tuesday, 13 March 2018, Sheikh Quaye noted that the deadline for payment is 30 June 2018, adding that the board shall not countenance any form of delay in payment.

He added that the deadline was in line with the directive given by the Saudi authorities. He noted that delays often make the entire planning difficult.

Sheikh I.C Quaye also mentioned that the board shall deal with only those who comply with the directive as far as meeting the deadline is concerned, adding that there would be no extension of the deadline for payment.

He further said security will be enforced to deal with intruders who may want to use the backdoor to make the pilgrim.

5,400 pilgrims are expected to be in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.