President Mahama
Former President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghanaian pilgrims can expect a significant reduction in Hajj fares next year.
Speaking at the Eid ul-Adha celebrations in Accra, Mahama attributed this development to the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi and ongoing negotiations with Saudi authorities and relevant agencies.
“This year, despite efforts, the cost remained high even though we cut it,” Mahama said. “But I want to assure you, we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts… If Allah accepts our supplications and the cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I am optimistic that next year we will see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare.”
He noted that if pilgrims were traveling at current exchange rates, the fare would have been around GHS 45,000, a notable decrease from current prices.
In a separate announcement, Mahama revealed plans to submit a bill to Parliament that would make Eid ul-Fitr a statutory public holiday. “It means that it will be a law and no longer be declared by executive instrument,” he explained.
The former President’s assurances have brought hope to Ghana’s Muslim community, who have been burdened by high Hajj fares in recent years.