The Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG) has lauded the recent reduction in Hajj fares while calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in the management of Ghana’s annual pilgrimage operations.
In a statement signed by its President, Hajj Abdel-Manan Abdel-Rahman, COMOG expressed relief over the $2,120 reduction in the Hajj package, describing it as a positive step toward making the pilgrimage more affordable for Ghanaian Muslims. The organization urged prospective pilgrims to use the official Hajj management system to ensure a safe, legitimate, and secure journey to Saudi Arabia, rather than relying on tourist visas or unauthorized channels.
COMOG also commended the Hajj Taskforce Management body for its proposal to build a new Hajj Village in Accra, a project spearheaded by a private company. According to the statement, the initiative could significantly improve accommodation options and overall comfort for Ghanaian pilgrims.
Additionally, the coalition applauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for introducing an expedited passport processing system to ease the documentation burden for prospective Hajj pilgrims. However, the organization stressed the need for greater stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes to ensure a more inclusive and effective Hajj management system.
Beyond the recent improvements, COMOG called for a thorough investigation into past Hajj operations, particularly the management of funds generated from previous packages and the difficulties Ghanaian pilgrims faced in Makkah last year. The coalition urged the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), National Security, Immigration Services, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to probe the issuance and misuse of Saudi tourist visas, which led to complications for some Ghanaian pilgrims.
According to COMOG, such an investigation would help identify gaps, prevent future mismanagement, and ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience for all Ghanaian Muslims.
