Another Ghanaian pilgrim has died at the ongoing 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG).

The office announced this yesterday, in a formal notice dated May 27, which indicated that the deceased, Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, passed on Tuesday, May 26 and as the religious principles permit, he has since been buried after his family was duly informed and his death documented.

“The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (GAOG) regrets to announce the passing away of Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu (60), who returned to his Lord at the blessed plains of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26. He has since been buried following Islamic traditions after his family was duly notified”, parts of the statement read.

It continued that “When a pilgrim dies in Arafat, they are considered by Islamic tradition to have completed one of the most spiritually blessed rites of Hajj. Under Saudi regulations, their body is respectfully prepared, buried in the Holy Land, and the death is officially documented without requiring others to complete Hajj on their behalf”.

PAOG highlighted that Alhaji Iddrisu’s death on the holy plains is a great honour, according to their Holy Book, as there is a promise of resurrection for such deaths.

“Dying in a state of Ihram on the Day of Arafat is considered a deeply honourable passing in Islam. According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a pilgrim who dies during the pilgrimage will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment still in Ihram,” a statement from PAOG, signed by Director of Communications Mohammed Amin Lamptey, noted.

The statement added that PAOG worked closely with Saudi authorities to notify the family of the deceased and provide regular updates before the burial while extending their condolences to the bereaved family.

“The Pilgrims' Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) coordinated with the Saudi Authorities to notify the deceased's family and provide them with regular updates before the interment. We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, loved ones and sympathisers. We pray that Allah (SWT) accepts his Hajj as Hajj Mabroor, forgives his sins, and grants him Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement added.

The death of Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu comes just about five days after PAOG announced the death of another pilgrim in this year's Hajj.

First death, Hajj 2026

Ghana recorded the first death of a pilgrim during the 2026 Hajj after the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) confirmed the demise in an official statement dated May 22, 2026, signed by its Director of Communications, Mohammed Amin Lamptey.

According to the statement, Musah Sidi, aged 53, collapsed during Tawaf at the Haram in Mecca and passed away shortly after.

“The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) regretted to officially announce the passing of Mr. Musah Sidi (53), a Ghanaian prospective pilgrim, who collapsed at the Haram during Tawaf… and passed away shortly afterwards”, parts of the statement noted.

The office confirmed that the bereaved family had been formally informed of his demise, while arrangements were underway for his body to be prepared for Janaza prayers after Jumu’ah prayers before burial, citing that according to Islamic tradition, it was an honour to die during worship.

“In Islamic tradition, a pilgrim who dies in a state of worship and in Ihram is promised immense spiritual honour in the hereafter,” the statement added.

The Pilgrims Affairs Office extended its condolences to the family, sympathisers and loved ones of the deceased.

“We extended our deepest condolences to his immediate family, sympathizers and loved ones. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus”, the office noted.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Ghanaian pilgrims departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in early May. Their departure was announced by the Communications Director of the Hajj Board, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, during a media briefing on Friday, May 1.

The pilgrims left from Tamale Airport at about 11:30 GMT on Friday, May 1, for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and were expected to arrive at 4:00 p.m. GMT.

According to the Hajj Board, of the 6,000 Ghanaians expected to undertake the pilgrimage that year, 430 had been airlifted, leaving 5,570 pilgrims yet to depart for Saudi Arabia on 18 scheduled flights between May 1 and May 18, 2026.

Mr Amin Lamptey stated that all the necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a successful pilgrimage.

To facilitate a smooth stay in Saudi Arabia, the Board had deployed a team ahead of the pilgrims to receive them. The pilgrims were scheduled to spend three days in Medina before proceeding to Mecca.

He said, “This year, we have enhanced our communication systems to ensure that sensitive information is handled accurately and shared appropriately”.

For his part, Mr John advised the prospective pilgrims to respect the laws of Saudi Arabia and conduct themselves in a manner that upheld Ghana’s image.

“You are not only carrying your personal faith, but also the image of our nation. Let your conduct reflect the values of peace, tolerance and unity that Ghana is known for,” he said.