President Mahama Inaugurates New Ghana Hajj Board, Calls for Digital Revolution in Pilgrimage Management

President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated Ghana’s six (6) new Hajj Board out of nine members , The ceremony proceeded without the Chairman of the Board and two female members who are currently in Mecca. President Mahama emphasized the sacred responsibility of managing the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and calling for comprehensive reforms to ensure transparency and efficiency in the process.

Speaking at the ceremony today Friday 14th November, 2025, President Mahama described the Hajj Board as “more than just an administrative body,” stating that “it is an institution that ensures that thousands of Ghanaian pilgrims fulfill one of the highest pillars of Islam with dignity and peace every year.”

Zero Tolerance for Exploitation:

The President took a strong stance against the exploitation of pilgrims, declaring: “The Ghana Hajj must never be a source of exploitation or profiteering. It is haram to exploit the sweat of a poor pilgrim.”

He emphasized that many pilgrims “have saved for years” for this sacred journey and should not “suffer anxiety, confusion, or unfair treatment at the hands of officials or especially middlemen.”

Digital Transformation Initiative:

In a significant policy announcement, President Mahama revealed plans for comprehensive digitization of Hajj operations. “Operations of the Hajj Board must be fully digitized. From this year, all authorized payments must be receipted electronically and verifiably,” he stated.

The digital transformation will include:
– E-registration of pilgrims
– SMS notifications to mobile phones
– A dedicated Hajj mobile application
– An online portal for registration, payment tracking, and travel information

“We can use digital technology not only to reduce fraud and congestion, but also to improve data management for future planning,” the President explained.

Five-Point Reform Agenda:

President Mahama outlined five critical areas for the new Board to focus on:

Early Planning: “Begin preparations immediately for the next Hajj. Announce schedules, registration processes, and cost structures promptly,” he instructed, adding that “last-minute changes must become a thing of the past.”

Transparency: “Pilgrims and their families must know how their money is used. All payments must pass through approved traceable channels. No unofficial levies. No hidden charges.”

Safety and Welfare: The President emphasized coordination with health services and diplomatic missions, stating: “Pay special attention to elderly pilgrims, women, and persons with disabilities. Their comfort is also a sacred duty of the Hajj Board.”

Professional Conduct: “Every official from the Board members to volunteers must act with courtesy, discipline, fairness, and honesty.”

Partnership: “Keep open and constant engagement with the Office of the National Chief Imam, with your regional imams, with our travel partners and agents, and especially with the Saudi authorities.”

National Unity and Religious Harmony:

Reflecting on Ghana’s religious diversity, President Mahama noted: “Our country has always drawn strength from our diversity. Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths live peacefully together in harmony, celebrating each other’s seasons of worship.”

He emphasized that “the Hajj belongs to the entire Muslim community across Ghana. It is not a monopoly of any one group. From the Zongos of Accra to Tamale, from Wa to Bolgatanga, from Koforidua to Takoradi, the Hajj belongs to the whole of Ghana.”

Accountability Measures:

The President announced that the Hajj Board will operate under strict oversight, with “periodic reporting to the Office of the Chief of Staff.” He expects “a comprehensive report that covers the finances, logistics, health, and safety outcomes, and the lessons learned to be presented to the Chief of Staff for preparation for the following year.”

Spiritual Significance:

President Mahama reminded the new Board members of their sacred duty: “Remember that every pilgrim carries a personal dream, a lifetime aspiration, to stand on the plains of Arafat and give his supplications to the Almighty Allah. And so treat that dream they have with reverence.”

The President invoked Quranic guidance, referencing “Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, verse 58, that whoever is entrusted with a trust must faithfully discharge that trust.”

The new Hajj Board is expected to begin immediate preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season, with the digital transformation initiatives set to be implemented before the next registration period opens.