2025 Hajj Fare: Government’s Promise & the Expectation of Ghanaian Muslims

Muslim pilgrims gather at Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on Saturday. | AFP photo.

Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia) holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims, yet the financial burden it imposes remains a pressing concern for many.

In Ghana, where the 2024 Hajj fare was among the highest in West Africa, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver on its campaign promise of drastically reducing costs. With neighbouring countries like Nigeria already announcing their fares for 2025, Ghanaians await the new government’s decision with heightened expectations.

During the 2024 elections, Hajj affordability was a key campaign issue, as many Muslims called upon the then-NPP-led government to reduce Hajj fares.

The inability to reduce last year’s fare of GHS 75,000 ($6,250) sparked widespread dissatisfaction, despite the government’s intervention through a special Bank of Ghana (BoG) exchange rate of GHS 12 per dollar. At the market rate of GHS 14–15 per dollar, the fare could have been much higher, leaving many pilgrims to question whether their votes had truly translated into relief.

This year, Nigeria’s Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has set fares between N8,327,125 and N8,784,085.59, equivalent to $5,348–$5,642 at the current exchange rate of Naira 770 to $1. Similarly, Senegalese pilgrims are expected to pay approximately $5,000, consistent with previous years.

If Ghana’s 2025 fare were to mirror the 2024-dollar equivalent of $6,250 at the current exchange rate of GHS 15 per dollar, it could rise to GHS 93,750, barring additional subsidies. Such an increase would further strain pilgrims financially, making the government’s promise of affordability even more critical.

Another factor compounding the urgency for government intervention is the rise in unregulated pilgrimage routes. Last year, a significant number of Ghanaians, unable to afford the official Hajj Board’s fare, turned to unapproved channels and unaccredited agents.

Many Ghanaian pilgrims suffered exploitation and hardship, including being stranded and incurring extra costs. Tragically, some individuals travelling through these unofficial routes faced even worse outcomes, including loss of life. The government must take decisive action to protect its citizens from such predicaments.

Saudi Arabia’s introduction of a one-year tourist visa further complicates the situation. Prospective pilgrims can now travel to Saudi Arabia under the guise of tourism and remain to perform Hajj, bypassing the official Hajj Board entirely. While this might be a cost-saving option, it exposes individuals to risks such as exploitation and lack of proper guidance during the pilgrimage.

For several reasons, the government must honour its promise to reduce Hajj fares:

1. Muslim Support in the 2024 Election: Despite a Muslim presidential candidate on the ballot, Ghanaian Muslims defied all odds to vote for the NDC government. Hajj affordability was a significant factor in their support, and failure to deliver on this promise could erode trust.

2. Alleviating Suffering: Many Ghanaians who travelled through unofficial channels in 2024 endured severe hardships, including death, exploitation, and financial losses. Addressing this issue by making official channels affordable is a moral obligation.

3. Preventing Financial Losses for the Hajj Board: If fares remain exorbitant, more pilgrims may opt for unregulated routes, undermining the credibility and financial viability of the Hajj obligations.

4. Aligning Ghana’s fares with those of Nigeria and Senegal (approximately $5,500) would demonstrate the government’s commitment to fairness and affordability.

To meet these expectations, the government can:

Provide Exchange Rate Subsidies: As in the case of 2024, the Bank of Ghana should offer a subsidized rate for Hajj payments, to ensure affordability for pilgrims.

Negotiate Better Terms: The recently formed Five-Member Hajj Task Force, led by Hon Alhaji Collins Dauda, should leverage its negotiations to secure lower costs for airfare, accommodation, and other services in Saudi Arabia.

Increase Public Awareness: Educate prospective pilgrims on the risks of unregulated routes and the benefits of using official channels.

Announce Fares Early: Timely announcements will allow pilgrims to plan and save, reducing last-minute reliance on unapproved agents.

As Ghanaians await the announcement of the 2025 Hajj fare, the government stands at a crossroads. By fulfilling its promise to reduce costs, it can solidify its support among Muslim constituents and restore confidence in the Hajj Board. However, failure to act prudently risks not only financial losses for the Hajj Board but also the lives and dignity of citizens.

The President’s assurances at the National Mosque and the work of the Hajj Task Force offer hope, but the final decision will determine whether this government can truly honour its commitment to Ghanaian Muslims.

As an act of devotion, Hajj should not become a source of undue hardship. The government must ensure that this year’s pilgrimage is accessible, safe, and affordable for all.

References

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). (2025). Hajj Fare Announcement.

Presidency of Ghana. (2025). Thanksgiving Ceremony and Task Force Announcement.

Bank of Ghana Exchange Rate Data (2024, 2025).

Senegal Hajj Commission Reports (2024, 2025).

Saudi Arabia Tourism Initiatives (2025).

The writer, Imam Abass Abdul Karim, is an Islamic scholar and the deputy imam of Cantonment Police Mosque, Accra, Ghana.

Alhassan Hafiz Larry