The Patriotic Muslim Front (PMF) has issued a strong call for the immediate dissolution of the Interim Hajj Management Taskforce following what it describes as a “disastrous handling” of Ghana’s 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement signed by its President, Hajj Mohammed Haruna, the PMF criticised the Taskforce’s performance as grossly incompetent, citing a litany of operational failures, poor coordination, and a lack of transparency that, they say, severely marred the Hajj experience for many Ghanaian pilgrims.

Despite President John Dramani Mahama’s stated commitment to ensuring a dignified and well-organised pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims, the group said the interim Taskforce’s handling of this year’s Hajj was “disappointingly subpar.”

Among the key issues highlighted in the statement are:

Lack of Transparency in Visa Processing: The PMF said several fully paid-up pilgrims and protocol beneficiaries were left stranded due to unclear and inequitable visa allocation procedures.

Substandard Accommodation: Pilgrims reportedly endured poor lodging conditions, with some forced to sleep outdoors for up to two days after arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Poor Coordination and Deportations: Mismanagement by the Taskforce allegedly led to last-minute visa cancellations and the deportation of at least five pilgrims.

Negligence in Medical Emergencies: The group condemned an incident in which a sick pilgrim was wrongly declared dead and abandoned.

Financial and Operational Opacity: The PMF raised concerns over what it described as a troubling lack of accountability in the Taskforce’s financial dealings and decision-making.

Given the severity of these failures, the Patriotic Muslim Front is demanding the following:

The immediate dissolution of the Interim Hajj Management Taskforce.

The establishment of an Independent Hajj Commission, led by a competent and impartial Sole Commissioner, to ensure a transparent and efficient management of future pilgrimages.

A full-scale presidential investigation into the 2025 Hajj operations, with sanctions against any officials found to have engaged in misconduct or negligence.

The PMF emphasised that the recurring problems in Ghana’s Hajj arrangements highlight the urgent need for structural reforms.

According to the group, the current ad-hoc system has failed repeatedly, and only a permanent, professionally run Hajj Commission can restore public confidence.

“We urge the government to act swiftly to address these concerns and prevent further embarrassment to Ghanaian pilgrims in future Hajj seasons,” the statement concluded.