President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the new Hajj Board, appointing Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko as Chairman, with a clear mandate to transform Ghana’s management of the annual pilgrimage through precision, transparency, and innovation.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, the President outlined an ambitious vision for the board, emphasizing that pilgrims and their families deserve full accountability for their investments in the sacred journey to Mecca.
“Pilgrims and their families must know how their money is used,” President Mahama declared, stressing that all payments must flow through traceable channels to ensure complete transparency and prevent financial irregularities.
The President tasked the board with prioritizing five critical areas: early and predictable planning, transparency and accountability, the safety, health and welfare of pilgrims, courtesy among officials, and effective communication with all stakeholders.
In a significant modernization effort, the board has been directed to develop a Hajj Mobile Application that will revolutionize the pilgrimage experience. The digital platform will enable pilgrims to register, verify their status, track payments in real-time, and access comprehensive travel information from their mobile devices.
President Mahama placed particular emphasis on pilgrim welfare, urging close coordination with the Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Transport, and Ghana’s Embassy in Riyadh.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure safe travel arrangements, decent accommodation, nutritious meals, and accessible medical care for all pilgrims, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
The inclusion of a heart surgeon on the board was highlighted as a strategic measure to strengthen medical preparedness and respond effectively to health emergencies during the pilgrimage.
The President also charged officials and volunteers to maintain the highest standards of courtesy and fairness, ensuring that every pilgrim feels respected and valued throughout the entire process.
“Coordination prevents crisis and communication prevents rumours,” President Mahama emphasized, underscoring the importance of seamless collaboration with the Office of the National Chief Imam, regional imams, travel partners, agents, and Saudi authorities.
Among those sworn in was Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Watara, the Wangara Chief of Ashanti, who will serve as a member of the Board alongside other distinguished appointees.
The President’s comprehensive directives signal the government’s commitment to elevating Ghana’s Hajj management to international standards while ensuring that the spiritual journey remains affordable, safe, and dignified for all Ghanaian pilgrims.
