Hajj fare for 2024 Ghanaian pilgrims still at GHC 75,000

 

Through the magnanimity and God fearing nature of the Ghana Hajj Board , 2023 Hajj fare of GHC 75,000 ( $6,500) have been maintained as the 2024 Hajj fare for prospective Ghanaian pilgrims as a way of making it easier for pilgrims to fullfil the last pillar of Islam in comfort.

The Ghana Hajj secretariat has therefore directed all accredited Ghana Hajj agents to start receiving payments immediately as part of early preparations for next year's Hajj pilgrimage.

The Ghana Hajj secretariat has already begun with all the preparations towards 2024 Hajj in accordance with the road map of the Saudi Arabia ministry of Hajj and Umrah next year's Hajj preparations.

The 2023 Ghana Hajj operations recorded another success in the organization of Hajj pilgrimage in Ghana without any difficulties and with full satisfaction of pilgrims.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu 

Hajj 2023- Muslims Association of Judicial staff of Ghana seek Allah's guidance, prayed for chief Justice during Hajj pilgrimage

Mecca

The Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana led by its National president and vice president Alhaji Mohammed Habib Hudu and Alhaji Joseph Dovi Adams respectively, on behalf of the association sought for Allah's guidance, forgiveness and direction.

The Association made special prayers for the Chief justice of Ghana for Allah to guide her in order to further strengthen the rule of law and justice delivery in Ghana.

The Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana also includes His worship Baba Iddi Issahaku and Alhaji Ahmed Osman, the head of credit at Agriculture development Bank.

The delegation ( including ADB staff) who just completed the Hajj (fifth pillar of Islam), decided to perform Umrah for their lost family members also used the opportunity to put the affairs of the Judicial service and the Chief justice in the hands of Allah for His guidance and to improve on the administration of justice of republic of Ghana.

After performing all the rituals of Umrah at the Masjid Haram in Mecca, members of the Muslims Association of the Judicial service of Ghana and staff of ADB prayed for the success of the nation.

"We thank Allah for our journey to the Holy land to the Holy land and for answering his call to perform Hajj this year. Among the pilgrims from all over the world who are gathered here in Mecca are staffs of the various public institutions of Ghana.  These people are here to pray for guidance of Allah for  their respective institutions" the president of the Muslims Association of the Judicial service of Ghana.

" We cannot leave here without saying special prayers for the Chief justice who is the head of the Judicial service to succeed . It is our prayer that, Allah guide her well to continue to uplift the image of the Judicial service in high esteem.

It is our prayer that, her ladyship the Chief justice continue to swim in the wisdom of God as she supervises the adjudication of justice in Ghana", Alhaji Mohamed Habib Hudu added.

His worship Baba Iddi Issahaku and the vice president of the Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana, Alhaji Joseph Dovi Adams also prayed for the leadership of the Judicial service led by the Chief justice for quality  legal services to Ghanaians and uplifting the good image of the Judiciary.

The head of credit at Agriculture Development Bank, Alhaji Ahmed Osman made special prayers for all staff of ADB especially the managing Director, Alhaji Naa Alhassan Andani. He prayed for clients of the bank for Allah's protection and success in their source of income and savings.

Hajj 2023- Judicial staff of Ghana prayed for chief Justice during Hajj pilgrimage

Mecca

The Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana led by its National president and vice president Alhaji Mohammed Habib Hudu and Alhaji Joseph Dovi Adams respectively, on behalf of the association have sought Allah's guidance, forgiveness and direction of affairs and mandate of the Judicial service of Ghana. 

The Association made special prayers for the Chief justice of Ghana for Allah to guide her in order to further strengthen the rule of law and justice in Ghana.

The Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana also includes His worship Baba Iddi Issahaku and Alhaji Ahmed Osman, the head of credit at Agriculture development Bank.

The delegation ( including ADB staff) who just completed the Hajj (fifth pillar of Islam), decided to perform Umrah for their lost family members also used the opportunity to put the affairs of the Judicial service and the Chief justice in the hands of Allah for his guidance and direction for a better service in administrating justice and interpretation of the laws of Ghana.

After performing all the rituals of Umrah at the Masjid Haram in Mecca, members of the Muslim Association of the Judicial service and staff of ADB holistically prayed for their respective institutions.

" We thank Allah for our journey to the Holy land and for answering his call to perform Hajj this year out of millions of Muslims across the world. Just as many staff of other institutions in the world are using this rare opportunity to pray for progress of their institutions, we are also doing same by praying for the institution that Allah has blessed our families with to progress and serve Ghanaian well as it is enshrine in the 1992 constitution of Ghana", the president of the Muslim Association of the Judicial service said.

" We cannot leave here without saying special prayers for the Chief justice who is the head of the Judicial service to succeed in her mandate. It is our prayer that, Allah guide her well to continue to uplift the good image of the Judicial service and protect the rule of law and justice for all irrespective of one's affiliation. The Muslim Association of the Judicial service also extended their compliments to the Judicial Secretary of the Christian fellowship for religious harmony and religious co-existent", Alhaji Mohamed Habib Hudu added.

His worship Baba Iddi Issahaku and the vice president of the Muslim Association of the Judicial service of Ghana, Alhaji Joseph Dovi Adams also prayed for the leadership of the Judicial service led by the Chief justice for quality  legal services to Ghanaians and uplifting the good image of the Judiciary.

The head of credit at Agriculture Development Bank, Alhaji Ahmed Osman made special prayers for all staff of ADB especially the managing Director, Alhaji Naa Alhassan Andani. He prayed for clients of the bank for Allah's protection and success in their source of income and savings.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu/Hajj communications.blogspot.com

Hajj 2023- Ghanaian Pregnant pilgrim Successfully delivered after completing Hajj

 

Immediately after completing the 2023 Hajj rituals, a female Ghanaian pilgrim, Rukaya Adamu who is in her later 30s has delivered a bouncing baby girl in Mecca under the supervision of the Ghana Hajj medical team and health officials of the health facility in Mecca where she delivered.

Rukaya Adamu arrived for this year's Hajj with pregnancy with due time to deliver though the expectant day of delivery was scheduled on July 17, 2023 which she might have been in Accra but delivered on July 4, 2023.

The Ghana Hajj medical team gave her and all the pregnant pilgrims all the attention and monitoring since the day of their departure from Ghana to Saudi Arabia until Rukaya Adamu was fortunate to deliver her baby in the Holy land of Mecca. The newly born baby has since been named as Yasrin by the Islamic scholars in Mecca with the permission of her father who is in Ghana.

In an interview with Rukaya Adamu, she said it is a privilege and honor to give birth in the month of Hajj.

" I never expected that I will give birth here in Mecca because my date for delivery is far and I expected it in Ghana but all the same, Allah has done it for me for delivering in the sacred land of Mecca." She said

" I tried embarking on this Holy journey five years ago and this year that I was pregnant, Allah called me together with my mother in-law. I initially did not want to come due to the pregnancy but my elder sister insisted I come". She added.

Rukaya Adamu is thankful to the medical team of the Ghana Hajj Board led by the medical director, Dr. Seidu Zakaria for giving her and other pregnant pilgrims all the care and support before, during and after the Hajj rituals.

The head of the Ghana Hajj medical team, Dr. Seidu Zakaria was full of joy for Rukaya Adamu's successful delivery and has credited the success to his staff and staff of the hospital where Rukaya Adamu delivered.

Dr. Seidu Zakaria intimated that, all pilgrims have received the needed health care especially the aged who with the aid of the medical team where able to perform all the Hajj rituals and are currently in good health ready to perform the TAWAF Wada and off to Ghana.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu/Hajj communications.blogspot.com

Hajj 2023- Breaking News-Illegal Hajj SEEKERS arrested by Saudi Arabia police

 Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabia police in collaboration with the Ghana Hajj Board task force has arrested three Ghanaians who were found at the hotels of pilgrims of Ghana Hajj board  in accordance with the laws of the kingdom.

One of the three arrested who is a Ghanaian resident in Saudi Arabia has since been released and the two who traveled from Ghana with a visiting Visa to perform Hajj are facing the consequences and will be deported back to Ghana after serving jail sentences. 

The head of the Ghanaian task force, Salihu Mohammed Paapa said, his outfit is very vigilant and ready to assist the Saudi Arabian security authorities to apprehend illegal Hajj seekers.

Salihu Mohammed assured paid pilgrims of their safety and total wellbeing through out their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to the start of the Hajj season, the Ghana Hajj secretariat Led by the executive secretary, Alhaji Farouk Hamza issued series of warnings to people with the intention to perform the Hajj with unauthorized Hajj permits.

The Baord has since put together a strong and an intelligent task force to handle these situations.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu/Mecca

HAJJ 2023- Tamale- Hajj Board meets Northern Regional Chief Imam ahead of first flight take off

 

Ghana Hajj Board with support from the Northern Regional coordinating council led by the Northern Regional Minister, Sani Sayibu  paid a courtesy call on the Regional Chief Imam ahead of the historic airlifting of Prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia Friday  June 9, 2023 at the Tamale international Airport.

The team from the Ghana Hajj Board is led by  the Board Chairman. Among the team members were the head of Dawah Committee Doctur Mohammad Ibrahim Mohammad, the Head of Medical Team Dr Seidu Zakaria and the Communications Department of the Northern Region Alhaji Eliasu Haruna.

On his part the Executive Secreatary of the Ghana Hajj secretariat, Alhaji Farouk Hamza spelled out readiness of the take off of batch of Prospective pilgrims to Madina to Start the processes of the annual ritual of Hajj.

 Alhaji Farouk Hamza called on the Northern Regional Chief Imam to pray for the secretariat, for that matter the board for incident free operations. 

On his part, the Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul Salam prayed for the entourage and wish them a peaceful stay throughout their operations. He further promised to conduct reading of the complete Quran at the Central Mosque before commencement of Jummah Prayers.

The team is expected to observe Jummah prayers at the Tamale Crntral mosque before the team heads straight to the airport where the check-in processes for the first batch of prospective Hujjaje takes effect.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu/Tamale/hajjcommunications.blogspot.com

Hajj 2023- Executive secretary and team prepare ahead of first airlift of Ghanaian pilgrims

  

The Executive Secretary of Ghana Hajj secretariat, Alhaji Farouk Hamza has led a team from the Ghana Hajj board and stakeholders in the Ghana Hajj operations of this year's Hajj  to facilities at the Hajj terminal of the Tamale International Airport in the Northern Region.

Tomorrow is the start of the first airlift of Ghanaian pilgrims from the Northern part of Ghana who are physically spiritually ready for the Holy journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. 

Alhaji Farouk Hamza who spoke with the media on the preparedness of the Ghana Hajj Board secretariat ahead of tomorrow's airlift of Ghanaian pilgrims said, all is set for tomorrow's exercise with all the logistics and human resource putting into place.

Alhaji Farouk Hamza thanked all the stakeholders like the Ghana airport company, Immigration service, Ghana police and others for corporating well with the Hajj secretariat for organizing yet to be a successful Hajj operations in Ghana.

The Executive secretary, expressed his satisfaction on the full cooperation and support the Hajj agents has given to the Secretariat since the beginning of this year's Hajj preparations especially the orientation of pilgrims, documentations and other aspect of the preparations.

 

END.

Hajj 2023 orientation- First ever orientation session ends in the north successful

 

The Idea was borne by the Executive Secretary to the Hajj Board Alhaji Farouk Hamza with the support from the Chairman Hon Ben Abdallah Banda.

The orientation exercise which begun in Yendi on May 25, 2023 was to sensitize prospective pilgrims on Do’s and Dont’s when they get to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj.

The program was in two broad segments which included health screening, health education  and Dawah Education. The health education was to ascertain the various or common ailments that prospective pilgrims may be faced with to enable medical team of the Ghana Hajj Board carry with them the appropriate medications.

The health education was so elaborate as it touched on all areas including the need to keep to safety by not endangering themselves whiles keeping to good health before, during and after the pilgrimage. 

The second stage was the education from the Dawah committee of the Hajj Board on how to say the intentions( Niyaat) for Hajj and general knowledge in the processes of performing annual ritual of Hajj. The Dawah committee educated prospective pilgrims on stage by stage Hajj rituals as it was practiced by Prophet Mohammed S.A.W and his companions.

Prospective pilgrims during the orientation sessions, were given the opportunity to ask questions and issues bothering them and thankfully, all questions and concerns were answered and addressed by members of the Hajj board orientation team.

END.

Hajj 2023- North hails Executive Secretary of Ghana Hajj Secretariat for well planned Hajj preparations

 

Majority of Muslims in the five regions of the North comprising  Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North East and Savannah Regions continues to pour in accolades and commendations to the Alhaji Farouk Hamza's led Hajj secretariat over this year's Hajj preparations and executions so far.

Even before the establishment of the secretariat as the engine of Hajj operations from the old Ghana Hajj board, Alhaji Farouk Hamza's contributions as the former director of finance and administration from 2017 till 2022 saw the rapid advancement of Hajj operations in Ghana with no incident of chaos as it used to occur before 2017.

Many residents in the five regions who are Muslims and have perfomed hajj previously, followed and observed Hajj operations in Ghana are perplexed and excited with the high level of preparations towards this year's Hajj. 

Most of the people who spoke to Tanko Mohammed Rabiu, an independent Hajj reporter gave a recent positive and a new development in Hajj operations where prospective pilgrims prior to their departure in some weeks are Oriented and enlightened on Hajj pilgrimage and what will help them achieve their spiritual, physical and mental motives in embarking on the Hajj. 

This orientation program for Ghanaian pilgrims is been initiated and led by the first ever executive secretary of the Ghana Hajj Secretariat Alhaji Farouk Hamza and assisted by members of the Board.

" I was at my wakye selling store when a family member from Bawku called me that she is on her way to Bolgatanga to attend a meeting of prospective pilgrims where they will be educated on the Hajj processes. I was amazed and surprised because when we were embarking on our hajj in 2016, nothing like this happened and some of us had to solely relied on people who had earlier performed the Hajj though there were few Islamic scholars brought to assist us. Am really happy and same time jealous for this year's Hajj pilgrims", a past pilgrim confesses.

" Since the day I made my payments for this year's Hajj in comfort through my agent, I have been learning small small on how to perform Hajj until my agent called to inform me about an orientation session. In fact, the orientation has really shaped my understanding of what to expect before, during and after the Hajj. I would like to thank our son Alhaji Farouk Hamza for bringing this initiative to us especially we those going for the first time", a prospective pilgrim said.

Many and more accolades are coming from both Muslims and even some Christians on the reforms and improvements in the preparation and operational activities undertaken so far by the Alhaji Farouk Hamza led Hajj Secretariat.

It is not a doubt that with the flow of consistency and energy been brought into the operation of this year's Hajj, that the Hajj will be a success for Ghanaian pilgrims as been observed by Ghanaians at large.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu

END.

Hajj 2023- Stakeholders meets Hajj Secretariat ahead of airlift of pilgrims

 

Stakeholders in Hajj  operations in Ghana made up of Ghana airport company, Ghana police service, Ghana Ambulance service, Narcotic board, Ghana fire service, Hajj agents, port health, National security, Ghana Immigration service, Aviance, Veterinary Service and National Investigation Bureau have met management of the Ghana Hajj secretariat led by the executive secretary Alhaji Farouk Hamza and some members of the Ghana Hajj Board ahead of the start of airlift of Ghanaian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj.

These stakeholders play crucial roles in Hajj operations over the years in ensuring Ghanaian pilgrims are airlifted successful to Saudi Arabia. 

Section of stakeholders 

The Hajj secretariat which is the institution of Hajj in Ghana responsible for Hajj operations, has already organized all the necessary measures and activities leading to the airlift of pilgrims and general preparations for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.

The stakeholders meeting which took place at the Ghana Hajj Secretariat is part of series of engagements with stakeholders which started some weeks ago.

Members of the various government institutions at the meeting, shared and contributed ideas and strategies that will make this year's Hajj operations another success.

Executive Secretary of Hajj Secretariat 
Alhaji Farouk Hamza interacting with
Some of the stakeholders 

The Ghana Hajj secretariat led by the executive secretary, Alhaji Farouk Hamza later after the meeting took the stakeholders on a tour of the facilities at Hajj village under the secretariat as part of preparations for this year's Hajj.

Tour of Hajj village facilities by Hajj secretariat 

The stakeholders were very excited on the level of preparations by the Ghana Hajj secretariat and promised to give out their best in the interest of Ghana.

Accra/  Mohammed Rabiu Tanko

Ghana Hajj 2023: Feature- POLITICS OF HAJJ; A RECIPE TO LOSS OF ISLAMIC FAITH

 

_A case study from a current audio-visual comments by Former Ghana's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Said Sinare  _   

In 2016, the Ghana Hajj board announced $3,450 equivalent to GHC 11,900 with an exchange rate of GHC 3.45 to the $1 in 2016, Meanwhile our brothers from Nigeria paid a maximum amount of $1,500 equivalent to 1,155,947.42 Naira and a minimum of $750 equivalent of 1,008,197  For that matter, the Ghana Hajj fare was twice that of Nigeria and Alhaji Sinare who tried playing politics with Hajj operations was the Ghana's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and it must be discouraged irrespective of one's political affiliation. 

 Even with the Hajj fare of GHC 11,900 in 2016, Ghana participated fully in the Hajj despite some initial complaints of how expensive it was at that time which wasn't the fault of the Hajj board by then because Muslims consider the last pillar of Islam as a life time spiritual achievement and another way of reaching out to Allah directly. So every Muslim irrespective of how much it cost to perform Hajj and is in their reach, they will sacrifice their legitimate resources to embark on Hajj pilgrimage. 

 Before the world was hit by COVID-19 pandemic, there were no taxes in Saudi Arabia and a litre of patrol cost less than a litre of bottled water.   The world was hit with COVID-19 pandemic which affected every nation of the world economically. As a result, hajj pilgrimage was suspended for countries outside Saudi Arabia for two years until 2022. Saudi Arabia had increase the VAT from 5% to %15 which translated into high cost of performing Hajj for all countries.  

Post COVID-19 pandemic also saw a surge in the forex market especially doing business or transacting in the USA dollar. The recovery program of industrialized countries has pushed prize of goods and services to rise thus having direct effect to third world countries like Ghana and Nigeria where imports are higher than export. This and many factors have therefore affected the Cedi in the forex market forcing the Cedi to depreciate against the USA dollar of $1 to GHC 12.9. 

 This year's Hajj fares of various countries including developed countries are hitting a maximum of $8,000 and a minimum of $5,400 depending on the airline proximity and cost.  The high cost of Hajj and Umrah has therefore compelled the Ghana Hajj Board to fix the Hajj fare in correspondence to the cost of hajj services in Saudi Arabia including airline services, aviation charges and other administrative costs. The Ghana Hajj fare includes feeding of pilgrims twice a day from Madina and the rest of the stay in Saudi Arabia which wasn't the case in 2016 and the Hajj operations before 2016.  Even with the depreciation of the Cedi to the USA dollar, the Ghana Hajj Board has pegged the exchange rate to GHC 11.5 to $1 for prospective Ghanaian pilgrims to be able to pay the $6,500 hajj fare which is the GHC 75,000 instead of paying around GHC 84,000 With an exchange rate of GHC 12.9 to $1.  

In conclusion, every Ghanaian Muslim living in and outside Ghana sho uld with fear of Allah avoid using Hajj operations in partisan politics irrespective of the political regime. There should be a consensus in Hajj related matters across board and issues of Hajj should be treated sacred and in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed S.A.W. which ever Hajj Board is in service should be given the needed support in solidarity to succeed.   

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu 

Hajj and Umrah independent Reporter

Iran's council for policy making and religious dialogue condemns the burning of Holy Quran in Sweden

 

Hojjat-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Mohammad Mardi Imanipour

The head of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Council for Policy Making and Coordination of Religious Dialogue, Hojjat-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Mohammad Mardi Imanipour has strongly condemn the burning of the Holy Qur'an in front of Turkish Embassy in Sweden.

According to him in a press release sighted by Ghanaweb.com , this is not the first time Sweden is exhibiting religious hatred towards Islam and Muslims.

The press release further stated " This time, we witnessed the burning of the hearts and lives of millions of Muslims in the form of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish Embassy in Sweden".

" Muslims live their lives by the Quran, grow by the Quran and return to God by the Qur'an".

He continues " it is not a secret that these evil behaviours seriously harm the fabric of a peaceful inter-religious and multicultural coexistence while darkening the atmosphere for inter-religious and intercultural dialogue".

Below is the full statement.

Message from Hojjatul Islam Imanipour, President ICRO, Tehran I.R Iran Condemning the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden:

In the name of the most high

Once again, another mischief: dust thrown upon the sun (an abomination)!

From time to time, under false pretenses, with the support of the so-called 'pro-freedom governments', the emissaries of Satan desecrate sanctified Islamic artifacts!

This time, we witnessed the burning of the hearts and lives of millions of Muslims in the form of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Sweden.

This is not the first time that Sweden has become the arena of satanic shows against Islam and Muslims.

The Holy Qur'an and its revealed verses are the most sacred, dearest and greatest relic of the Holy Prophet - may the peace and blessings of God be upon him and his pure family - among Muslims.

Muslims live their lives by the Quran, grow by the Quran and return to God by the Quran. The Holy Quran is the book of life, death and resurrection for Muslims. Muslims all over the world, day and night; recite verses from this divine book, pray to God with the Holy Qur'an: sanctify, honor, love it, and spend their lives on earth by it.

Holding such a mischievous public spectacle under the pretext of protecting freedom, angers Muslims who have always respected the holy artifacts, symbols, rituals and temples of other religions from the endless cruelty and darkness of such demonic shows.

It is not a secret that these evil behaviors seriously harm the fabric of a peaceful inter-religious and multicultural coexistence while darkening the atmosphere for inter-religious and intercultural dialogue.

I, as the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Council for Policy Making and Coordination of Religious Dialogue, strongly condemn the burning of the Holy Qur'an, insulting religious holy artifacts, and the wounding of the hearts and souls of millions of Muslims.

The minimum anticipation of the followers of the Holy Quran from religious leaders, intellectuals and free people of the world; especially the residents of Western Europe and North America, which has become the scene of these shameful shows for years, is to declare an unmistakable opposition to these acts of Islamophobia: the burning of Muslim Artifacts, and to expose the false and fraudulent equation of such to freedom. This is sacrilege!

We pray to Almighty God not to take us away from His love, light and pathway.

Hojjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Mohammad Mahdi Imanipour (the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Council for Religious Dialogue, Policy and Coordination).

Hajj 2023: photos: Ghana completes all arrangements for Hajj 2023

 The Ghana Hajj delegation to the 2023 Hajj conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia led by the director of finanance of the pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Alhaji Farouk Hamza have completed all arrangements towards this year's Hajj pilgrimage including signing a memorandum of understanding ( MOU) with the Saudi Arabia ministry of Hajj anď Umarah.

More soon.

Tanko Mohammed Rabiu. 

Hajj 2023- Photos - Ghanaian Hajj delegation at Hajj conference in Saudi Arabia

 Ghana Hajj board signs MOU with Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia for 2023 Hajj season.

More updates soon.

 

  

More soon.