President Mahama Announces Potential Hajj Fare Reduction for 2026
Accra, Ghana - 06 June, 2025 - President John Dramani Mahama has brought hope to Ghana's Muslim community by announcing a potential significant reduction in Hajj pilgrimage costs for next year.
Speaking at the Eid ul Adha celebrations in Accra on June 6, Mahama attributed the anticipated decrease to the recent strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi and ongoing negotiations with Saudi authorities and relevant agencies.
The President acknowledged the financial strain this year's Hajj fare has placed on many Muslim families, despite the government's efforts to lower costs. He expressed optimism that the trend would continue, leading to a substantial drop in the Hajj fare for 2026.
According to Mahama, if the current exchange rates had been applied earlier, the fare would have been around GH¢45,000, a notable reduction from the current price. To put this into perspective, the government had previously reduced the 2025 Hajj fare from GH¢75,000 to GH¢62,000, a 17% decrease.
“This year, despite efforts, the cost remained high even though we cut it,” he said. “But I want to assure you, we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts… If Allah accepts our supplications and the cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I am optimistic that next year we will see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare.”
In addition to the potential reduction in Hajj costs, Mahama announced a significant legislative move. According to him, his team has prepared a bill to make Eid ul Fitr a statutory public holiday, which will soon be submitted to Parliament. This development would mean that the holiday would no longer require an annual declaration by executive instrument, providing a more permanent solution for the Muslim community.
“It means that it will be a law and no longer be declared by executive instrument,” he explained.
The President's announcements were made during the Eid ul Adha celebrations at the Black Star Square in Accra, where he emphasized his government's commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian Muslims.
Mahama also revealed plans to improve Islamic education in the country.
He disclosed that he has directed the Minister for Education to revitalize the Islamic Education Unit, which includes expanding the recruitment and training of qualified Arabic instructors across the country.
Source: Lead News Online
