No Pilgrim Should Put Even One Kola in Their Pockets to Saudi Arabia - Hajj Taskforce Warns

Accra, Ghana - 17 My, 2025 - Ghana's National Hajj Taskforce has warned pilgrims embarking on this year's Hajj to Saudi Arabia to avoid smuggling prohibited items, including kola nuts and drugs.

Chairman Collins Dauda emphasized that pilgrims must respect Saudi Arabian laws, which prohibit certain items, even if they are allowed in Ghana.

“We indicated to our pilgrims the need to avoid sending along prohibited items like large quantities of kola, large quantities of tramadol, and large quantities of Gebedol to Saudi Arabia. Chewing of kola is not prohibited in Ghana,” he said.

Dauda highlighted the importance of complying with Saudi Arabian regulations to avoid reputational damage to Ghana.

“The authorities in Saudi Arabia said we shouldn’t bring kola. Ghana has nothing to do with it. If you want to pray in Saudi Arabia, you must conform to their rules and respect their regulations. No pilgrim should put even one kola in his/her pockets.''

“It is a prohibited item; these prohibited items give Ghana a negative image when seen at the Airport. We don’t want anything to be seized in Saudi Arabia.”

Source: Lead News Online