Two Ghanaian pilgrims die in Mecca during Hajj, 5 others repatriated

2025 Hajj: Two Ghanaian Pilgrims Die in Mecca, 5 Others Repatriated

The Ghana Hajj Taskforce has confirmed the deaths of two pilgrims in Mecca. This occurred during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Five other pilgrims were repatriated due to visa issues.

Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, Head of Corporate Affairs at the Taskforce, provided this information. He stated that efforts are ongoing to resolve these visa problems.

About 60,000 pilgrims from Ghana traveled to Saudi Arabia for the annual event. The heat in Mecca can be extreme and challenging for worshippers.

Some reports suggested that the five individuals were deported. However, Alhaji Fuseini clarified that they were repatriated due to visa errors, not criminality.

He mentioned attempts to realign visas led to unfortunate mistakes. The Taskforce is working hard to help these pilgrims return to Mecca.

In 2024, over 4,000 Ghanaian pilgrims also attended the Hajj. Two pilgrims died that year as well, with incidents reported on June 9 and June 12.

The pilgrimage can be physically demanding, especially with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius this year.

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

This change increased Ghana's quota for Muslim pilgrims. In Côte d’Ivoire, fees remained around $5,500 for both years.

President John Mahama promised Muslims an extra Eid holiday if elected. He fulfilled this promise after Ramadan in 2025.

Mahama aims to ensure Muslims enjoy their holidays while balancing public holidays in Ghana.