The Chairman of the National Hajj Task Force, Alhaji Collins Dauda, has revealed that the six Ghanaian pilgrims who passed away during the 2025 Hajj in Mecca were dealing with pre-existing health issues.
He confirmed that the Task Force has officially informed the families of the deceased individuals.
As previously reported, on June 8, 2025, the Ghana Hajj Board 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.
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, Alhaji Collins Dauda, described the incident as tragic, noting that while death is inevitable, it remains painful for the families involved.
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.
However, Alhaji Dauda after Hajj updating the media in Accra offered further clarification, stating that the majority of Ghanaian pilgrims are expected to return home later in June.
He said “From our contingent, I can confirm six deaths. We have received information about a seventh person who also passed away, but he did not travel with the official group. He went on a tourist visa. Nevertheless, he is Ghanaian. Those who died were elderly and had underlying health conditions. It was not our wish for this to happen, but it was the will of Allah.”
Alhaji Dauda also mentioned that once all pilgrims have returned to Ghana, the Board will determine suitable ways to honour the memory of the deceased. He added that special prayers were offered for them in Mecca following their burial.
