Saudi Arabia has increased Ghana's Hajj pilgrimage quota from 4,000 to 5,000.

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Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Ghana Hajj Task Force Chairman, Alhaji Collins Dauda, revealed that the task force leveraged the recent Hajj conference in Saudi Arabia to negotiate better terms with service providers for Ghanaian pilgrims.

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The chairman disclosed that this year’s Hajj fare has been set at GH¢62,000, equivalent to $4,130, based on an exchange rate of GH¢15 per dollar.

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He pointed out that this marks a 17.3% decrease from last year’s GH¢75,000 fare.

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According to Alhaji Dauda, the reduction aligns with the President’s directive to make the Hajj pilgrimage, a key pillar of Islam, more affordable for Ghanaian Muslims.

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He also emphasized that the move was in line with a campaign promise made by NDC presidential candidate John Mahama ahead of the 2024 elections.

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"Through strategic negotiations and teamwork, the task force has successfully achieved a significant reduction in the 2025 Hajj fare," he stated.

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"This represents a considerable cut of about $2,000," he added.

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Alhaji Dauda further disclosed that the previous administration left behind an outstanding debt of $5.41 million, prompting the government to launch an investigation.

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The debt covers $446,933 owed to catering service providers, $4,429,260 in flight costs, and approximately $533,333 allocated for education and training services.

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Seth Ibrahim Ayi, the Public Relations Officer of the Hajj Agents Association, welcomed the reduction in fares, expressing optimism that it would encourage greater participation in the pilgrimage.

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Each year, millions of Muslims worldwide journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, a religious obligation observed in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

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Pilgrims undertake a series of rituals, each carrying deep spiritual significance and purpose.

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