President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a five-member task force aimed at reducing the high costs associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.The task force, led by Asutifi South Member of Parliament Collins Dauda, has been mandated to secure affordable arrangements for the pilgrimage, ensuring more Muslims can fulfill this significant religious obligation.

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Speaking during a National Muslim Prayer and Thanksgiving event at the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra, on Friday, January 10, President Mahama disclosed that the task force would depart for Saudi Arabia on Monday, January 13, to participate in the annual Hajj conference.“One of their primary responsibilities is to negotiate arrangements that will drastically reduce Hajj fares.

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This will enable more Muslims who wish to perform the pilgrimage to fulfill this religious obligation,” he stated.In addition to the task force announcement, President Mahama revealed plans to introduce a second public holiday for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, honoring a campaign promise to better recognize Islamic festivities in Ghana.

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“As part of our promises, we assured the Muslim community of adding one more holiday to the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Once Parliament resumes, we will amend the Holidays Act to officially recognise an additional day for the Sallah festivities,” he affirmed.This initiative will ensure that after the Ramadan fast, Ghanaians will enjoy two public holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

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President Mahama further assured that the necessary legislative steps would be expedited to ensure the additional holiday is implemented this year.

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