The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has begun for Ghanaian Muslims, as the first group of 425 pilgrims from the five northern regions arrived safely in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
They were airlifted directly from Tamale’s Yakubu Tali International Airport, with subsequent groups expected to follow in the coming days.
This year, approximately 6,000 pilgrims from Ghana are expected to make the sacred journey—2,000 more than last year’s total from the northern part of the country.
Ahead of their departure, members of the Interim Hajj Taskforce, led by Chairman Collins Dauda, joined by government officials including Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, and Northern Regional Minister Adolf Ali John, visited the pilgrims to offer prayers and encouragement.
Alhaji Dauda urged the pilgrims to uphold discipline during their stay in the holy land and assured them of adequate arrangements for their safety, accommodation, and meals throughout their time in Madina and Mecca.
Alhaji Muntaka emphasized the government’s commitment to a smooth and dignified pilgrimage, calling on the pilgrims to pray for Ghana’s peace and stability. The Northern Regional Minister also offered practical guidance on fulfilling Hajj obligations.
Many of the departing pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the preparations, lauding the efforts of both the Hajj committee and the travel agents.
