In a deeply saddening development, two Ghanaian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been confirmed dead.
In addition to the reported deaths, the Ghana Hajj Taskforce disclosed that five individuals were repatriated due to visa-related issues.
The Ghana Hajj Taskforce expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public of continued support and monitoring of Ghanaian pilgrims abroad.
The Head of Corporate Affairs at the Hajj Taskforce, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, has clarified recent reports regarding Ghanaian pilgrims affected by visa issues during the Hajj 2025 pilgrimage.
He emphasised that the individuals were not deported in the criminal sense but rather repatriated due to visa complications.
He reassured the public that active steps are being taken to resolve the visa problems and ensure the affected pilgrims can travel back to Mecca to complete their spiritual journey.
“Some said they were deported, but we choose to use the word ‘repatriated. Deportation connotes some criminality, but these people who have returned have not committed any crime. It was an error in the issuance of their visa.
“Some attempts to realign the visas resulted in some unfortunate mistakes where their visas were withdrawn. I can assure you that we are making every effort to get them to go back,” he said.
A total of about 6000 pilgrims are expected to travel from Ghana to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
This marks an increase of 2,000 compared to 4,000 pilgrims who participated last year from northern Ghana.
