This year, nearly 6,000 Ghanaians journeyed to Saudi Arabia to perform the sacred Islamic rites. While most of the pilgrims are expected to complete the Hajj without incident, the deaths have cast a somber mood over the Ghanaian contingent.
Two Ghanaian pilgrims have reportedly died during the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, the Ghana Hajj Taskforce has confirmed.
In addition to the fatalities, five other pilgrims were sent back home due to complications with their travel documents. Speaking to Citi News, the Head of Corporate Affairs for the Hajj Taskforce, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, clarified the circumstances surrounding the repatriations.
“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,” he explained.
Alhaji Fuseini further noted that attempts to correct visa misalignments inadvertently led to the withdrawal of some travel documents. However, he assured the public that efforts are underway to rectify the situation and possibly allow the affected pilgrims to rejoin the pilgrimage.
Despite the setbacks, the Taskforce remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Ghanaian pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj.