Concerned Muslims urge government to announce 2025 Hajj fees without delay

The Concerned Muslims Association of Ghana has expressed growing frustration with the government’s delay in announcing the 2025 Hajj fees, less than a month before the start of Ramadan.

In a press statement issued today, the group highlighted the financial and logistical challenges this silence poses to Ghanaian Muslims preparing for the sacred pilgrimage.

The association emphasized that undertaking Hajj is both a spiritual and capital-intensive endeavour, requiring sufficient preparation time. “Potential pilgrims, whether through their own means or via sponsorships, need ample time to organize and pay the required fees,” the statement read.

According to the group, the government’s lack of communication comes despite efforts by an interim Hajj Task Force, led by President John Mahama. The task force, which recently returned from Saudi Arabia after registering Ghana for the pilgrimage, has provided no updates on the process or fees, leaving potential pilgrims in limbo.

Citing examples from neighbouring West African countries, the statement pointed out that pilgrims in Nigeria, The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal have already been informed of their fees and payment deadlines. For instance, Nigeria concluded payments of $5,000 by January 31, 2025.

The group expressed particular concern for Muslims from the Zongo community and other eager pilgrims who remain uncertain about their financial obligations. They described the situation as an “unacceptable breakdown in communication.”

The Concerned Muslims Association also reminded President Mahama and his government of their campaign promise to significantly reduce Hajj costs for Ghanaians. They recalled that last year’s fee of GHS 75,000 was deemed exorbitant by the NDC, with assurances of a drastic reduction if elected.

“If the NDC and President Mahama are caught in a conundrum and cannot find the subsidy to fulfill the promise, they should be bold enough to tell us the truth, so that we can move forward,” the statement urged.

The association concluded by urging the government to immediately announce the 2025 Hajj fee to allow Ghanaian Muslims to prepare adequately.

“Muslims cannot be held to ransom due to the political indecision of the government over announcing the Hajj fee,” the statement added.

The press release was signed by the National President of the association, Alhaji Habib Khalid Cissey, and its Secretary, Zakari Baba Adamu.