Chairman of the National Hajj Task Force, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has updated the public on the cause of death of some six pilgrims who participated in the just-ended Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking to journalists, Alhaji Dauda revealed that six of the seven individuals who died were elderly and had pre-existing health conditions before traveling to Mecca.

“From our contingent, I can confirm six deaths. We have received information about a seventh person who also passed away, but he did not travel with the official group. He went on a tourist visa. Nevertheless, he is Ghanaian. Those who died were elderly and had underlying health conditions. It was not our wish for this to happen, but it was the will of Allah,” he said.

On Saturday, June 7, Alhaji Collins Dauda reported the death of seven pilgrims. All seven, including five women and two men, have since been buried in Saudi Arabia, as per Islamic customs.

The seventh deceased was not a part of the official team that travelled.

“We have received information about a seventh person who also passed away, but he did not travel with the official group. He went on a tourist visa. Nevertheless, he is Ghanaian,” Alhaji Collins Daud explained.

The Hajj pilgrimage began on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and lasted till the 13th of the month. The Ghanaian Hajj community encountered several setbacks, including the repatriation of some pilgrims from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Due to visa-related issues, five pilgrims could not participate in the mandatory religious duty for all Muslims as they were repatriated back to their country.

According to the Head of Corporate Affairs at the Hajj Taskforce, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, “Some said they were deported, but we choose to use the word ‘repatriated.’ Deportation connotes some criminality, but these people who have returned have not committed any crime. It was an error in the issuance of their visa.

“Some attempts to realign the visas resulted in some unfortunate mistakes where their visas were withdrawn.”

Recent reports disclosed the scorching temperatures, frequently exceeding 48°C during the peak ritual days. The situation posed significant health risks to pilgrims, especially the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions.

On Sunday, May 28, an incident was reported at the Rafahya Al-Seteen Hotel in Mecca, where hundreds of Ghanaian pilgrims had lodged, causing a temporary evacuation.

Per reports, a structural concern and a fire incident on the 12th floor of the edifice are said to be responsible for the ruckus that occurred on Sunday afternoon, May 25. But the authorities are yet to ascertain the cause of the panic.

Saudi fire and police officials arrived at the scene to ensure all was safe for the residents to return to their various rooms.

This year’s pilgrimage recorded a massive turnout due to the Mahama-led government’s decision to reduce the Hajj pilgrimage fee to 62,000 to 75,000 Ghana cedis under the previous administration.

Approximately 6,000 Ghanaian Muslims traveled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025. These numbers show an increase of 2,000 Ghanaian participants as compared to 4,000 last year.

In Ghana, Friday, June 6, was declared a statutory public holiday for the Eid al-Adha celebration, which marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca or Hajj.

Meanwhile, the continuous appreciation of the local currency could reduce the fees Ghanaian Muslims pay to travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. President John Dramani Mahama announced this during his Thank You Tour in Kintampo in the Bono East Region on Thursday, May 29.

“At the time we started paying for the Hajj, the cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the fare we came up with for the $4,000 cost to do the Hajj came to GHC 62,000. Next year, if you do a calculation with where the Cedi is currently—GHC 10.5—it means the fare for Hajj may go below GHC 50,000,” he said.