President John Mahama has confirmed that about 6,900 Ghanaian pilgrims were airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, marking about 900 more than the 6000 earlier communicated by the Hajj Board.

Speaking during the Eid‑ul‑Adha celebrations at Independence Square yesterday, Wednesday, May 27, President Mahama commended the Ghana Hajj Board and all other stakeholders for their remarkable role and dedication in ensuring the smooth operations of the year’s Hajj.

He indicated that he has received several commendations on the Board’s facilitations on feeding accommodations, among other arrangements that have contributed to the successful organisation of the trip to Mecca.

“This year's Hajj operations have largely been successful. About 6,900 Ghanaian pilgrims were airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to undertake the sacred pilgrimage. I've received encouraging reports on their accommodation, feeding arrangements, transport, and overall welfare. I therefore wish to commend the Ghana Hajj Board and all stakeholders for their dedication and hard work in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj this year”, he said.

He then sent his condolences to the family of Musah Sidi, 53, who collapsed during Tawaf at the Haram in Mecca and passed away shortly after praying that all pilgrims return home safely to their families.

“Yesterday was the Day of Arafah, one of Islam's holiest days when pilgrims gather to pray, repent and supplicate to the will of Allah. We pray that Almighty Allah will accept the prayers and supplications of all our pilgrims and grant them a safe return journey back home.

“However, I'm saddened to note the passing of one of our Ghanaian pilgrims during this year's Hajj. On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, and we pray that Allah will forgive all his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdaus”, President Mahama added.

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.