THE Chairman of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG), Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Tanko Ibrahim, has announced a reduction in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage from GH¢62,000 to GH¢60,000, following consultations with key Muslim leaders and stakeholders.
The government earlier this year reduced the 2025 Hajj fare from last year’s GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000, in fulfilment of President Mahama’s campaign promise to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Ghanaian Muslims.
He said the decision, taken by President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at easing the financial burden on Ghanaian Muslims preparing to perform the Hajj next year.
In a statement shared yesterday with The Ghanaian Times in Accra, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve once again as chairman of the PAOG.
He said the decision followed extensive engagements with the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu; Sheikh Umar Imam Ibrahim of the Ahlussuna Wal Jama’a; and Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, as well as accredited Hajj agents and other prominent stakeholders.
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim assured Ghanaian Muslims of the Office’s readiness to serve with dedication, honesty and transparency, and called on all stakeholders to demonstrate dignity and integrity in their dealings, regardless of personal interests.
He urged prospective pilgrims to pay their fares promptly to avoid last-minute challenges that could affect travel arrangements, and reminded all accredited Hajj agents to comply with the laid-down procedures for payments through the designated banks approved by the PAOG to ensure efficiency and accountability.
The chairman said the PAOG was working within the official quota of 6,782 pilgrims allocated to Ghana for the 2026 Hajj and would continue to justify the need for additional slots from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj Affairs.
He expressed optimism about a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj operation next year, adding that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the Office was determined to reshape and reposition Hajj administration in Ghana for better service delivery.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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