Ghana Hajj Board Confirms Death of 7 Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Accra, Ghana - 09 June, 2025 - Seven Ghanaian pilgrims have tragically lost their lives while participating in the 2025 Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia. The deceased individuals comprise five women and two men, bringing the total number of fatalities among Ghanaian pilgrims to seven.
According to Alhaji Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, the families of the deceased have been informed, and the Board plans to visit them at an appropriate time to offer condolences.
In a statement to TV3 on June 7, Alhaji Dauda expressed profound regret over the deaths, stating, “Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful but death will come when it has to come and therefore, regrettably as the case is, we take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case.''
He extended the Board's deepest condolences to the affected families in Ghana. The Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed that all seven pilgrims were buried in Saudi Arabia, following Islamic tradition.
This year's Hajj saw more than 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims travel to Mecca, joining over two million Muslims worldwide for the annual pilgrimage. Despite the challenging conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 48°C during peak ritual days, the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has recorded a significant reduction in fatalities among Ghanaian pilgrims. The number of deaths this year stands at seven, marking a 59% decline from the 17 reported in the 2024 pilgrimage.
Alhaji Dauda attributed the improved safety record to robust protocols implemented in collaboration with Saudi authorities. These measures include comprehensive health screenings before departure, deployment of dedicated Ghanaian medical teams accompanying the pilgrims, and enhanced provisions for prompt medical care and emergency response on the ground.
Additionally, the Board intensified heatstroke prevention efforts, including widespread hydration points and advisory campaigns.
Source: Lead News Online
