President John Dramani Mahama has directed the newly sworn-in Ghana Hajj Board to digitise the registration and operational processes of the annual pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasising the need for a smooth, incident-free religious exercise.
Addressing the new board at the Presidency, President Mahama highlighted that over the years, the Hajj exercise has experienced both successes and challenges, particularly relating to payments, airlifting, accommodation, feeding, and missing pilgrims.
He charged the board to adhere strictly to their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. President Mahama warned that any member or agent found guilty of misconduct would face the full rigours of the law.
READ: Ghana Hajj Board must never be a source of exploitation or profiteering – President Mahama
“The government will provide the necessary policy and logistical support to ensure the success of the pilgrimage, but that support must go hand in hand with accountability,” he said. “The Hajj Board must operate under clear guidelines, with periodic reporting to the Office of the Chief of Staff. At the end of each Hajj season, I expect a comprehensive report covering finances, logistics, health and safety outcomes, and lessons learned to be presented for preparation for the following year.”
President Mahama stressed that transparency was crucial for sustaining public confidence and ensuring reliable institutional memory for future boards. “The Ghana Hajj must never be a source of exploitation or profiteering. It is haram to exploit the sweat of a poor pilgrim. Pilgrims, many of whom have saved for years, must not suffer anxiety, confusion, or unfair treatment at the hands of officials or middlemen,” he said.
He further emphasised that the operations of the Hajj Board must be fully digitised. “From this year, all authorised payments must be receipted electronically and verifiably. Any official or agent engaged in illegal charges or extortion must be removed and sanctioned in accordance with the law. We owe it to the pilgrims and to Allah to protect the integrity of this sacred journey,” President Mahama concluded.
The newly constituted Hajj Board sworn in comprises Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko as Chairman (Sole Commissioner) and Hon. Shaibu Mahama, MP, as Member and Administrator. The other members of the Board are Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, Mrs. Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar, and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
