Hajj is not a business – Mahama warns against profit-driven pilgrimage

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the Hajj pilgrimage should not be treated as a profit-making venture but rather as a religious and spiritual journey for Muslims.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the new Hajj Village on Friday, February 28, the President emphasized that any excess funds from the Hajj process should be channelled into projects benefiting Zongo communities.

“This year, we set up a task force to manage the Hajj because, after assuming office, we realized that the time before the pilgrimage was too short. So, we brought competent people together, led by Alhaji Collins Dauda, to organize this year’s Hajj. After this, we will constitute the Hajj Board and appoint its chairman,” President Mahama stated.

He further stressed that the Hajj must not be commercialized.

“I have instructed the task force that the Hajj is not a business and should not be structured for profit. The Hajj Board and Task Force must not aim to make a profit. If even one cedi remains after the Hajj, it should be donated to the poor or used for a project within the Hajj community,” he added.

The President’s statement comes amid ongoing Hajj preparations, as the Task Force urges all prospective pilgrims and accredited Hajj agents to complete payments and other required procedures within the stipulated timeline, which is March 13, 2025.

To facilitate a smooth pilgrimage, the Task Force has introduced measures to assist fully paid pilgrims in acquiring their passports with ease.

Accredited Hajj agents are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to streamline the process for their clients.

Additionally, in a move to make the pilgrimage more accessible, the Task Force recently reduced the 2025 Hajj package fee from GHS 75,000 to GHS 62,000. This reduction aims to provide financial relief and enable more Ghanaian Muslims to fulfil their religious obligation.