President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong call to Muslims planning to embark on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, urging them to strictly follow laid-down procedures to avoid disappointment and last-minute exclusion.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Akweteyman Central Mosque in Accra on January 29, the President emphasized that cooperation with the Hajj Committee is crucial to ensuring a smooth and peaceful pilgrimage.
Here are five critical things pilgrims must do now** to avoid missing out on Hajj this year:
1. Complete Your Mandatory Medical Screening Early
President Mahama announced that compulsory medical examination and screening for prospective pilgrims will begin on Monday, February 2. The exercise will be carried out in collaboration with designated medical teams to safeguard the health and safety of all intending pilgrims ahead of the sacred journey.
2. Pay Your Hajj Fees on Time — No Last-Minute Appeals
The President revealed that Ghana has been allocated a quota of **5,960 pilgrims** this year, with the Hajj fare reduced to **GHC60,000**. According to him, the quota has already been filled, and delays in payment will not be tolerated.
“We don’t want the usual practice where people delay in coming to pay and then want us to open it again at the last minute,” he cautioned.
**3. Respect the Hajj Committee’s Final Decisions**
President Mahama warned that latecomers who miss the payment deadline will have to wait until next year, explaining that last-minute changes often lead to delays and some pilgrims being left behind.
“The Hajj Committee says they’ve reached the quota, and so those who are late will have to wait till next year,” he stressed.
4. Trust God’s Timing If You Miss Out
For those unable to secure a slot this year, the President offered reassurance, urging calm and faith.
“It’s God who decides when you go to Mecca. If you don’t go this year, next year you’ll have the opportunity,” he said, calling for understanding and patience.
5. Be Assured That Preparations Are Already in Place
President Mahama assured pilgrims that arrangements for accommodation close to the Kaaba, lodging in Medina, and transportation are already underway, expressing confidence in a successful Hajj exercise this year.
“They’ve already gotten good accommodation closer to the Kaaba, secured places in Medina, and are arranging transport,” he noted.
Transit Terminal Update
Touching on airport logistics, the President disclosed that the new Hajj transit terminal being constructed by the Ghana Airports Company will not be ready for use this year. However, he assured that from **2027**, pilgrims will enjoy a more comfortable transit experience.
President Mahama concluded by appealing to all stakeholders to support the Hajj Committee to ensure a peaceful, well-organised, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims this year.
