The Ghana Hajj Taskforce has provided clarification on reports that Mahama Ayariga, the Bawku Central Member of Parliament and Majority Leader, was unable to account for two pilgrims from his constituency who took part in the 2025 Hajj.
All pilgrims who traveled under the Ghana Hajj Taskforce’s official arrangements have been fully accounted for, and there have been no reports of any missing persons, the Taskforce emphasized in a statement released on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
According to the Taskforce, the two people in question were identified as Sali Hawa and Inusah Ramatu through preliminary investigations conducted in cooperation with Ghana’s Consulate in Jeddah.
The Taskforce verified that these people entered Saudi Arabia on tourist visas, which is against Saudi Hajj regulations, rather than traveling under Ghana’s legitimate Hajj quota.
In an attempt to find the people, the Majority Leader has now reported the issue to Ghana’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the statement further said.
“The victims are part of a wider group who sought to perform Hajj through illegal means. It is well known that several individuals who entered Saudi Arabia using non-Hajj (tourist or “Bongo”) visas have been arrested or detained by Saudi authorities,” the statement revealed.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Taskforce strongly advised all potential pilgrims.
“The Ghana Hajj Taskforce strongly advises all prospective pilgrims to follow the officially approved procedures for Hajj by acquiring a valid Hajj visa through accredited agents and the Taskforce. Any other route is illegal, unsafe, and outside the jurisdiction or protection of the Ghana Hajj authorities.”
The Ghana Hajj Taskforce reiterated its dedication to ensuring the security, respect, and appropriate assistance of all Ghanaian pilgrims and emphasized the importance of closely following the right procedures to prevent such issues in the future.
KA
Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below:
