The Patriotic Muslim Front (PMF) and Leadgate Foundation have called for urgent reforms in the management of Hajj operations in Ghana, citing inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and recurring financial difficulties that have burdened pilgrims over the years.

At a press conference held at the International Press Centre in Accra on February 19, 2025, the two organizations outlined their concerns regarding the financial struggles of the Hajj Board and the need for government intervention to improve efficiency and ensure the welfare of pilgrims.

Speaking at the event,  PMF President, Mohammed Haruna, and Executive Director of LeadGate Foundation, Mr. Iddrisu Abdullai Alhassan highlighted the chronic financial difficulties that have plagued Ghana’s Hajj operations for decades.

They revealed that from 1996 to 2001, the Hajj Board accumulated debts exceeding GH¢20 million, with further bailouts from the government totalling GH¢80 million between 2001 and 2008.

Additional figures showed that:

GH¢81,142,999 was left unpaid from previous Hajj operations. $7.8 million in debt was accrued between 2008 and 2016 under the NDC administration. $5.4 million in outstanding debt remains under the current administration’s Hajj Task Force (2017-2024).

These financial challenges, they argued, have eroded trust in the system and increased costs for pilgrims, making the pilgrimage unaffordable for many Ghanaian Muslims.

The groups emphasized that the government plays a critical role in ensuring a well-coordinated and transparent Hajj process.

They called on authorities to:

Invest in accommodation and healthcare services to improve pilgrims' welfare. Develop regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency in financial management. Address economic factors, such as cedi depreciation, which significantly affects Hajj fares."The cost of performing Hajj has become prohibitive for many Ghanaian pilgrims due to forex fluctuations," they noted, urging the government to implement policies that mitigate exchange rate impacts. Proposed Reforms

To address these longstanding issues, the Patriotic Muslim Front and Leadgate Foundation proposed the establishment of an Independent Hajj Commission and a Hajj Trust Fund to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable financing.

1. Independent Hajj Commission

The groups called for an Independent Hajj Commission manned by civil service professionals with expertise in administration, finance, and logistics.

This commission, they said, should:

Be subject to annual independent audits to ensure financial transparency. Work with religious leaders, travel agencies, and government bodies to improve service delivery. 2. Hajj Trust Fund

The Hajj Trust Fund would serve as a dedicated financial resource for Ghana’s Hajj operations, financed through:

Government allocations Voluntary contributions Other lawful funding sources

The fund would be managed by a board of trustees, ensuring integrity and financial sustainability for future Hajj operations.

Call for Accountability

The organizations also cautioned the interim Hajj Task Force against engaging in investigations into past financial mismanagement, stating that such inquiries should be left to independent investigative bodies to maintain fairness and credibility.

The Patriotic Muslim Front and Leadgate Foundation urged the government and all stakeholders to support their proposed reforms, stating that they represent a new chapter in Ghana’s Hajj operations.

They called for a transparent and efficient system that upholds the dignity of the pilgrimage while ensuring affordability for all Ghanaian Muslims.

"Hajj is a sacred journey, and it must be managed with the respect and professionalism it deserves," they concluded