Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims have voiced strong frustrations over severe hardships endured during the spiritual journey. Eyewitness accounts describe unbearable heat, lack of shelter, and disregard for the well-being of elderly pilgrims.
According to a distressed pilgrim, “We arrived in Mina on Wednesday, and there were no buses to transport us. We were left standing under the blazing sun for hours, with no shade or relief.”
The lack of basic provisions has led to physical and emotional exhaustion. “There was no canopy, no bed, no room. I was with old women. We had nothing, not even vests to shield us from the sun,” the pilgrim continued. “My feet were burning, I couldn’t stand. I told the Hajj Board officials, including Collins Dauda, but we were dismissed. He said I should be grateful because he got beds for 5,000 others.
Despite attempts to seek support, many feel their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. “They eventually set up a canopy, but it made things worse. We were sweating and suffocating. My sister had to drag me out to avoid collapse.”
Pilgrims walked from Muzdalifah to Jamarat and back to Mina, only to find no accommodation. “We just wanted a little shade, but nothing was provided. At night, it’s slightly cooler, so we sleep outside — but even that is not guaranteed.”
The situation is particularly critical for elderly pilgrims. “The old women are in tears. They are now sitting by the washroom wall just to find a place to rest. Our phones are overheating. The environment is too hot and dangerous. It’s inhumane.”
One of the most heartbreaking aspects is the psychological toll. “I told my agent I want to go back to Ghana. I’ve had enough. I don’t want to die here. I have children. If I die here, who will care for them?”
Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims are now pleading with the authorities and the Hajj Board to take immediate action.
“Please, I beg you. Come to our aid. If you can send us back to Ghana, Inshallah, I will appreciate it. I’ve reached my limit”.
Watch video: Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims cry for help after suffering in harsh conditions#Hajj2025 #Hajj_2025 #HajjMediaHub @makkah #Makkah @JDMahama @joyce_bawah @gyaigyimii pic.twitter.com/C5KIgMadx2
— Newscenta (@newscenta_gh) June 7, 2025
This is not the first time complaints have been raised by pilgrims from Ghana, Nigeria, and other West African nations regarding poor accommodation and logistical challenges during Hajj.
Despite efforts to streamline the process in recent years, problems of overcrowding and poor planning remain.
