The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage has sparked concern in Parliament following revelations that two pilgrims from the Bawku Central constituency remain unaccounted for.
The disclosure, made by Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has prompted calls for greater oversight and legislative reform of the country’s Hajj operations.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Ayariga attributed the situation to language barriers and the advanced age of missing individuals, many of whom were traveling outside Ghana for the first time.
“I cannot account for two of my pilgrims. “Some of them are very old people… they don’t speak Arabic, and they get mixed up with other countries. It is becoming very challenging.”
He emphasized the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate the missing pilgrims and ensure their safe return.
Ayariga proposed that Ghana should consider enacting legislation to govern Hajj operations, moving beyond the current committee-based approach.
“Perhaps it is time for this House and the country to have legislation on Hajj instead of it just being a committee,” he stated.
His remarks were echoed by former Defence Minister and MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, who called on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to provide a comprehensive briefing on the management of the 2025 Hajj.
In response, Minister for Local Government , Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim assured Parliament that a full report would be submitted once the Hajj Committee, chaired by Collins Dauda, completes its review.
“Let’s exercise restraint. When a report is submitted by Collins Dauda’s committee, then we can come and brief you appropriately,” Ibrahim said.
Story By: Paulina Arthur
