Seven Ghanaian pilgrims die in Mecca during 2025 Hajj

2025 Hajj: Seven Ghanaian Pilgrims Die in Saudi Arabia

The Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, announced that seven pilgrims died in Mecca during the 2025 Hajj.

All seven individuals have been buried in Saudi Arabia according to Islamic traditions. The families of the deceased have been informed. The Hajj Board plans to visit them at an appropriate time.

The deceased include five women and two men. Alhaji Collins Dauda spoke with TV3 about the situation. He expressed condolences but did not reveal the identities of those who passed away.

He stated, “Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots.” He acknowledged that death is painful but inevitable.

Dauda assured that the Hajj Board would support bereaved families as they mourn. Over 60,000 pilgrims from Ghana participated in this year's pilgrimage. They joined over two million Muslims worldwide.

Hajj rituals are physically demanding and often occur under extreme heat. Reports indicated temperatures exceeded 48°C this year, posing health risks for many pilgrims.

In comparison to 2024, fewer Ghanaian pilgrims died this year. In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims lost their lives during Hajj. This marks a reduction of about 59%.

Dauda attributed this decline to improved health and safety measures with Saudi authorities. These measures included pre-departure medical screenings and dedicated medical teams on-site.

Additionally, hydration points and health advisories were provided to prevent heat-related illnesses among pilgrims. The Ghana Hajj Board remains committed to enhancing safety for all participants.

In related news, the government has reduced the fare for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000. This adjustment fulfills a promise made by the Mahama administration.

This fare reduction increases Ghana's quota for Muslim pilgrims attending Hajj this year.

President John Dramani Mahama also promised an extra holiday for Muslims during Eid celebrations after Ramadan. He responded to concerns from the Muslim community regarding holiday enjoyment.

To maintain balance, one other holiday will be eliminated so that total public holidays remain unchanged annually.