The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed the unfortunate deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj rituals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The deceased include five women and two men, and while their identities have not been publicly disclosed, the Board has assured that all affected families in Ghana have been informed.
In an interaction with TV3, Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, expressed profound condolences to the families of the deceased.
“Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come and therefore, regrettably, as the case is, we take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case,” he stated.
The Board plans to visit the bereaved families in Ghana at an appropriate time to commiserate with them. According to Alhaji Dauda, “We will visit the families in Ghana to offer our condolences.”
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage saw over 6,000 Ghanaians participate, joining over 2 million Muslims worldwide.
Despite the challenging circumstances, including scorching temperatures exceeding 48°C, the Ghana Hajj Board reported a significant reduction in fatalities compared to previous years. The current figure of seven deaths represents a 59% decline from the 17 reported in the 2024 pilgrimage.
Alhaji Dauda attributed this improved safety record to robust protocols implemented in collaboration with Saudi authorities.
“It’s a testament to the robust protocols we’ve put in place,” he implied, highlighting comprehensive health screenings, dedicated medical teams, and enhanced emergency response measures.
The Board has since buried the deceased individuals in Saudi Arabia, in line with Islamic principles.