The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has officially begun for Ghanaian Muslims, as the first group of pilgrims departed from the Yakubu Tali International Airport in Tamale to Saudi Arabia.
This initial group, made up of 425 pilgrims from across northern Ghana, successfully completed all pre-departure requirements, including medical screening and orientation sessions on the Hajj process.
The Hajj village in Tamale was a hive of activity, with officials from the Hajj Board, airport authorities, government ministers, and traditional leaders overseeing final preparations to ensure a smooth departure. This first group is part of the 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims expected to travel to Mecca from Tamale this year.
Chairman of the Hajj task force, Alhaji Collins Dauda, addressed the pilgrims before they boarded their flight, offering words of encouragement and blessings.
“We wish you a safe journey to Saudi Arabia with a lot of blessings. We will all tap into your blessings when you return,” he said.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak also addressed the group, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey.
“Government over the period has made a lot of efforts to make this pilgrimage easy. And amongst these efforts are the reduction in hajj fares, easy access to passport and the adequate preparations made ahead of your travel,” he said.
He further called on the pilgrims to remember the country in their prayers during their time in Mecca.
“The wish of government is that when you get to Saudi Arabia, remember our country, pray for our country and above all pray for President John Dramani Mahama for good health, wisdom and understanding to be able to govern,” Alhaji Muntaka said.
In total, six flights are scheduled to depart from Tamale, with the first five carrying 425 pilgrims each, and the final flight expected to transport 350 pilgrims. More departures will follow in the coming days as Ghana’s Hajj operations continue.
