By Tanko Mohammed Rabiu
Ghanaian Hajj Reporter's breakdown of Hajj expenses based on the reality in Saudi Arabia and cost of performing Hajj with approved fees from Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj And Umrah. The economic turmoil post COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the forex market making trading with the United States Dollar and other strong currencies difficult resulting to the depreciation of currencies like the Ghanaian Cedis and the Nigerian Naira.
Below is the breakdown of expenses of a Hajj pilgrim from Ghana influenced by current prices of good and services in Saudi Arabia.
1. Normal Flight: GHC 23,000 ( Return). This is different from chatter flights by Ghana Hajj Board which is expensive because the plane comes to Ghana empty and returns with pilgrims and repeat this route for about ten times
2. Accommodation: An average cost of hotel accommodation in Madina and Mecca per night is about $40 which is GHC 640 on $1 to GHC 16
3. Masha'ir: This is Stay in Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifa and is around $1300 and this is from Saudi Arabia government
4. NUSUK: This is the official identification for Hajj pilgrims and is around $ 500 per pilgrim and every Hajj pilgrim must have this else you will be considered as an illegal pilgrim
5. Feeding: The cost of food in Madina and Mecca on average is SAR 40 twice a day and in Ghana Cedis is GHC 170 Per pilgrim.
6. Transport: bus transport is around SAR 120 ( GHC 480) from Madina to Mecca. Remember pilgrims will also be transported from the Airport in Madina, Mecca to Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifa and finally to the Airport for return to Ghana.
7. Visa processing fees and administrative costs are also other cost items by the Ghana Hajj Board.
From point 1 to 6 alone is above GHC 76,000 per pilgrim for the thirty days stay in Saudi Arabia for Hajj especially 2023 and 2024 Hajj seasons which is above the Hajj fares Ghanaian pilgrims paid according to my personal experience on Hajj affairs as an Hajj Reporter over one decade.
