By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Mohammed Issahak
The Member of Parliament for Tolon and Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Habib Iddrissu, has expressed deep concern over the current state of Ghana’s Hajj operations, describing the experience of pilgrims in the holy land as “inhumane” and calling for urgent intervention.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Hon. Habib emphasized that Hajj is not merely a travel event but a sacred religious obligation rooted in centuries of Islamic tradition. Quoting Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, he reminded the House of the right of every Ghanaian to freely practice and manifest their religion, including the performance of Hajj.
Drawing from his own experience as a former member of the Ghana Hajj Board under the previous administration, the Tolon MP noted that past operations prioritized transparency, dignity, and logistical efficiency—despite challenges such as accommodation shortages. “Though pilgrims may have paid more, they travelled with peace of mind and returned with dignity intact,” he stated.
While commending the current government for reducing Hajj fares from GHS 75,000 to GHS 62,000, Hon. Iddrissu said the lowered cost has not translated into improved services. He cited reports from pilgrims detailing overcrowded and inadequate accommodation, poor feeding, disorganized schedules, and neglect by handlers. These complaints, he said, have flooded social media and other public platforms.
He further highlighted the recent public apology issued by the Hajj Board’s Public Relations Officer, Hon. A.B.A. Fuseini, who admitted to visa-related mishandlings by saying, “We are sorry.” Hon. Iddrissu described this as a clear acknowledgement of systemic failure, lamenting the board’s insufficient response to the crisis.
He also criticized the removal of experienced personnel from the previous administration, describing it as a “reckless dismantling of institutional memory.” According to him, the lack of continuity in leadership and expertise significantly undermined this year’s operations, with only Dr. Shamuna being recalled to assist mid-way through the process.
Hon. Iddrissu concluded his remarks by urging the government and the Hajj Board to take swift action to restore dignity and proper care to Ghanaian pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia.
