President John Dramani Mahama has called on the newly sworn-in Ghana Hajj Board to uphold transparency, integrity, and accountability in the management of the annual pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency, President Mahama emphasised that the Hajj exercise, which has over the years faced challenges related to payments, airlifting, accommodation, feeding, and missing pilgrims, must be conducted smoothly and without incident.

“The Ghana Hajj must never be a source of exploitation or profiteering,” President Mahama said.

“It is haram to exploit the sweat of a poor pilgrim. Pilgrims, many of whom have saved for years, must not experience anxiety, confusion, or unfair treatment at the hands of officials or middlemen,” he added.

President Mahama urged the board to fully digitise operations, ensuring that all authorised payments are receipted electronically and verifiably.

He warned that any official or agent found engaging in illegal charges or extortion would face the full rigours of the law.

“The government will provide the necessary policy and logistical support to ensure the success of the pilgrimage, but that support must go hand in hand with accountability,” he stated.

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“The Hajj Board must operate under clear guidelines, with periodic reporting to the Office of the Chief of Staff. At the end of each Hajj season, I expect a comprehensive report covering finances, logistics, health and safety outcomes, and lessons learned to be presented to the Chief of Staff for preparation for the following year.”

President Mahama said this level of transparency would not only sustain public confidence but also ensure that future boards inherit reliable institutional memory, reinforcing the integrity of this sacred journey.

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