7 Ghanaian pilgrims die during 2025 Hajj – Hajj board confirms

The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the deaths of seven pilgrims. This includes five women and two men. They died during this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca.

Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Board’s chairman, shared this news on TV3. He expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families. “Death is always painful, but it is part of life,” he said. He added that they will visit the bereaved families soon.

The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed yet. The Board has contacted their relatives and promised national support. In line with Islamic tradition, all seven were buried in Saudi Arabia.

This year, over 6,000 Ghanaians participated in Hajj. They joined more than two million Muslims worldwide for the sacred rituals. The pilgrimage is physically demanding and was made harder by extreme heat. Reports from Mecca indicated temperatures above 48°C.

Health experts warn that such conditions can be risky for the elderly and those with health issues.

Despite these tragedies, fatalities decreased significantly this year. There were 17 deaths in 2024 compared to seven in 2025—a reduction of 59%.

Alhaji Dauda attributed this improvement to better collaboration with Saudi health officials. Enhanced medical screening before departure also played a role. Additionally, dedicated Ghanaian health teams were present on-site during the pilgrimage.