Policy analyst and a member of the opposition NDC, Siddique Abubakar Suleiman has charged Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to work with the country’s Hajj Board to reduce the cost of Hajj pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.

According to him, the annual Hajj pilgrimage is an important ritual for Muslims across the country but it has become costly recently which discourages persons of Islam faith to embark on the holy journey.

In an article, the activist indicated that the Ghana Hajj Board’s pricing approach “needs a comprehensive overhaul to ensure that the spiritual journey remains accessible to all aspiring pilgrims."

In his estimation, Ghanaian Muslims have to find affordable yet illegal ways to embark on the journey due to its cost in the country.

Comparing the cost Hajj in Nigeria to Ghana, Siddique noted that the cost of Hajj per head in Ghana has “skyrocketed from GHS 24,000 in 2016 to a staggering GHS 75,000 today, representing a 212% increase in just eight years!”

He went on to implore Dr Bawumia, who also doubles as the presidential candidate for the governing NPP, to take measures to reduce the cost of the holy journey to make it accessible to Muslims in Ghana.

Below is his article:

Vice President Bawumia: A Call to Action for Urgent Intervention on Exorbitant Hajj Costs

The organization of Hajj in Ghana is facing a critical issue that requires immediate attention. The Ghana Hajj Board’s pricing approach needs a comprehensive overhaul to ensure that the spiritual journey remains accessible to all aspiring pilgrims. A comparison with neighboring countries reveals that Ghana charges the highest fees for Hajj, forcing many to seek alternative, often unauthorized, means to fulfill their religious obligations.

The cost of Hajj per head in Ghana has skyrocketed from GHS 24,000 in 2016 to a staggering GHS 75,000 today, representing a 212% increase in just eight years! This exorbitant cost has led many Ghanaians to explore cheaper options, such as obtaining a one-year Umrah or tourist visa, which allows them to book services like accommodation individually, making the journey more affordable despite its challenges.

As a Muslim and a leader, we urge Vice President Bawumia to intervene immediately and reduce the suffering of Ghanaian pilgrims. The current approach to pricing is unsustainable and has led to unnecessary hardships for many. We ask:

1. Why has the cost of Hajj increased by 212% in just eight years, with no clear justification?

2. How can the Ghana Hajj Board expect pilgrims to bear this exorbitant cost, which is nearly double that of Nigeria (N4,500,000, equivalent to GHS 40,000)?

3. What measures will the Board take to address the challenges and unauthorized activities arising from the current approach?

4. How will the Board ensure that all aspiring pilgrims, including those who opt for alternative visa options, are included in official plans and arrangements?

We implore Vice President Bawumia to use his office to:

1. Immediately review the approach to pricing and reduce the cost of Hajj to a more realistic and affordable amount.

2. Ensure transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj funds.

3. Work with the Ghana Hajj Board to find solutions that prioritize the welfare and spiritual journey of Ghanaian pilgrims.

As a Muslim leader, Vice President Bawumia has a moral obligation to ensure that his fellow Muslims are not burdened by unnecessary costs in fulfilling their religious obligations. We urge him to take immediate action to address this issue with utmost urgency and request that the Ghana Hajj Board reverses the exorbitant amount being charged to Ghanaians with utmost urgency.

Let us work together to make the Hajj pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians. The time for change is now!

SIDDIQUE writes.