John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to lower the cost of Hajj for Muslims if he is elected President in the 2024 general elections.
The former President highlighted that the current Hajj fare, set at GH¢75,000, is too expensive for many ordinary Muslims, preventing them from fulfilling their pilgrimage to Mecca.
Mahama made this commitment during Eid prayers with the Ahlussunnah Wal-Jamah Muslim group at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Sunday.
“Our pilgrims are in Mecca performing the Hajj. May Allah bring them safely home to us. Those who have been able to go are the privileged ones because we have had fares at GH¢75,000,” Mahama stated. “It is very difficult for the ordinary Muslim to perform the Hajj but Insha Allah, if we win in this election and come into government, we are going to work to reduce the Hajj fare so that everybody can go.”
Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Adha on Sunday, commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and his unwavering faith.
Mahama’s pledge has resonated with many in the Muslim community, offering hope for more affordable access to the important religious pilgrimage in the future.