The Deputy Communications Director of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Haruna Mohammed, has revealed that high Hajj fares in previous years pushed some Ghanaians to use unapproved routes to travel for the pilgrimage.
Speaking on The Verdict hosted by Isaac Addae on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Mr. Mohammed explained that in 2023 and 2024, the cost of performing Hajj; which reached about ₵75,000 became a major burden for many prospective pilgrims, creating opportunities for exploitation.
“In 2023 and 2024, because of the amount involved, people resorted to unapproved routes. Some accredited agents even went into connivance with unapproved individuals, taking advantage of the situation to lure pilgrims who couldn’t afford the official fares,” he said.
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According to him, the desperate attempt by some pilgrims to cut costs led to illegal arrangements that compromised both their safety and the credibility of Ghana’s Hajj operations. “They reduced the fares and deceived people who were eager to perform Hajj, leading many to travel through the wrong channels,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Barbara Yeboah
