President John Dramani Mahama has acknowledged the financial strain many Muslim families face in performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Speaking at the 2025 Eid-ul-Adha celebrations at the Black Star Square, he announced the government’s commitment to making the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable for Muslim families, with optimism that costs could significantly drop by 2026.
He stated that the government is working closely with relevant agencies and some Saudi counterparts to reduce Hajj costs, despite high fares in 2025.
“This year, despite efforts, the cost remain high, even though we cut it. But I want to assure you that we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts, and if Allah accepts our supplications, and the Cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I’m optimistic that next year we’ll see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare,” he said.
He also stated that if the current strength of the Ghana cedi continues, Hajj fares could come to around GH¢45,000.
He went ahead to announce that the government has also prepared a bill to designate Eid-ul-Adha as an additional public holiday.
He added that the bill will soon be presented to Parliament, recognising the spiritual significance of the festival in the lives of Muslims.
DR/AE
