President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated Ghana’s new Hajj Board, charging its members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency and compassion as they oversee the nation’s annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Speaking at the presidency, President Mahama noted that the Chairman of the Board and two female members — appointed in line with the Affirmative Action Act — were unable to attend the ceremony because they were currently in Mecca for preliminary engagements ahead of the next Hajj. They will be sworn in upon their return.

The president described the inauguration as “a ceremony of deep national and spiritual importance,” emphasising that the Hajj Board played a critical role in enabling thousands of Ghanaian Muslims to fulfil one of Islam’s highest obligations with dignity and peace.

“The Hajj is not just a journey. It is a sacred obligation and a profound spiritual milestone. Managing it is not a routine administrative exercise — it is a public trust,” he said.

President Mahama highlighted the far-reaching influence of the board’s work, which he said touched the lives, families and faith of Ghana’s Muslim community.

He underscored that every Ghanaian pilgrim travelled as an ambassador of the country, carrying with them values of peace, tolerance and integrity.

Setting a New Standard for Hajj Operations

The president outlined five core expectations for the newly inaugurated board:

1. Early and Predictable Planning:

Preparations for the next Hajj must begin immediately, including the early announcement of schedules, registration procedures and cost structures.

“Last-minute changes must become a thing of the past,” he stressed.

2. Transparency and Accountability:

All payments must pass through traceable, approved channels.

“No unofficial levies. No hidden charges,” the president warned, adding that transparency was essential to building trust.

3. Safety, Health and Welfare:

The board must coordinate with relevant state agencies to guarantee safe travel, decent accommodation, adequate medical care, nutritious meals and special support for elderly pilgrims, women and persons with disabilities.

4. Courtesy and Discipline:

From board members to volunteers, every official must treat pilgrims with respect and fairness at all stages of the journey.

5. Partnership and Communication:

The board must maintain close collaboration with the Office of the National Chief Imam, regional imams, travel partners, agents and Saudi authorities.

“Coordination prevents crisis, and communication prevents rumours,” he said.

Digitisation and Accountability

President Mahama announced that Hajj operations would undergo major digitisation to eliminate fraud and enhance efficiency. Electronic receipts, e-registration, SMS updates and a dedicated Hajj mobile application will be introduced to streamline processes and improve data management.

“It is haram to exploit the sweat of a poor pilgrim,” he cautioned.

“Any official or agent engaged in extortion or illegal charges must be removed and sanctioned.”

He also directed the board to submit a comprehensive post-Hajj report each year to the Office of the Chief of Staff covering finances, logistics, health, safety and lessons learned.

Ensuring National Inclusivity

The president reiterated that the Hajj belonged to all Muslim communities across the country — not to any particular group or region. He urged the board to ensure equitable access to registration nationwide and to work closely with traditional leaders and regional imams.

“Inclusivity strengthens unity, and unity ensures peace,” he said.

A Call to Service

President Mahama encouraged the board to approach their work with empathy, reminding them that every pilgrim carried a lifelong dream of making supplications on the plains of Arafat. Simple acts of kindness, he said, can define the entire spiritual experience.

He further called for Ghana’s religious harmony — one of the nation’s enduring strengths — to be continually nurtured.

Citing Quranic guidance from Surah An-Nisa (4:58), he urged the board to discharge their duties faithfully and with humility.

“You are taking charge of an institution that connects Ghana to the broader Muslim world. Serve well, and you will not only deliver a successful Hajj season — you will uplift the image of our nation,” he said.

He concluded by praying for wisdom for the new board and safe passage for all Ghanaian pilgrims preparing for the next Hajj season.

President Mahama announced the members of the newly formed Hajj Board as follows:

* Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko – Chairman / Leader

* Hon. Shaibu Mahama, MP – Member / Administrator

* Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko – Member

* Mrs. Alimatu Issahak – Member

* Alhaji Amadu Tanko – Member

* Alhaji Masaud Abubakar – Member

* Chief Ahmed Ibrahim – Member