The first batch of 425 Ghanaian Muslim pilgrims from the five northern regions has arrived safely in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The group was airlifted directly from the Yakubu Tali International Airport in Tamale on Saturday, May 10. Additional pilgrims are expected to depart in batches over the coming days, as part of Ghana’s total Hajj contingent of approximately 6,000 travelers this year—an increase of 2,000 from 2024.
The Chairman of the Interim Hajj Taskforce, Collins Dauda, led a government delegation to the airport to bid the pilgrims farewell. He was joined by the Northern Regional Minister, Adolf Ali John, Minister of the Interior Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu, and other officials.
Addressing the departing pilgrims, Alhaji Dauda urged them to remain disciplined and law-abiding during their spiritual journey, assuring them that adequate safety and logistical arrangements had been made, with secured standard accommodation in Mecca and Medina to ensure their comfort and security
Interior Minister Muntaka expressed optimism about the pilgrimage, wishing the travelers a safe and peaceful journey. He emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality services through the interim Hajj taskforce.
He also encouraged pilgrims to use the sacred occasion to pray for national peace and development.
