The Ghana Hajj Board has officially confirmed the deaths of seven Ghanaian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The deceased include five women and two men, all of whom passed away during the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
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While the identities of the deceased pilgrims were not made public, the Board has notified the affected families in Ghana and extended its deepest condolences on behalf of the nation.
Speaking to TV3 on Saturday, June 7, the Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, described the incident as tragic, noting that while death is inevitable, it remains painful for the families involved.
“Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come. We express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case,” said Alhaji Dauda.
He also confirmed that the Ghana Hajj Board will visit the bereaved families at an appropriate time to provide comfort and support.
In keeping with Islamic burial customs, all seven deceased Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims were laid to rest in Saudi Arabia. This is standard procedure for pilgrims who die during the sacred journey.
Over 6,000 Ghanaians participated in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, joining more than two million Muslims from around the world.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is physically demanding and often performed under extreme conditions.
This year, temperatures in Mecca soared above 48°C (118°F), creating severe health risks—especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Despite the harsh conditions, the 2025 Hajj recorded a significant reduction in the number of Ghanaian deaths.
In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims passed away, compared to seven this year—a 59% decrease.
Alhaji Dauda credited the decline to improved health and safety protocols introduced by the Ghana Hajj Board in collaboration with Saudi authorities. Key measures included:
Comprehensive pre-departure medical screenings
Deployment of dedicated Ghanaian medical teams in Saudi Arabia
Enhanced emergency response systems
Installation of hydration points
Dissemination of heat safety advisories for pilgrims
The Ghana Hajj Board has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of all Ghanaian pilgrims.
The Board pledged to continuously enhance its systems to meet global standards for managing large-scale religious gatherings, particularly under extreme weather conditions.
As preparations for future pilgrimages continue, the Board emphasised its focus on health preparedness, safety education, and pilgrim support services to ensure a safer experience for all Ghanaian Muslims undertaking the Hajj.
