The recent 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saw the unfortunate passing of seven Ghanaian pilgrims, as confirmed by the Ghana Hajj Board. Among the deceased were five women and two men, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed. The Hajj Board has reached out to the families of the deceased in Ghana, offering their condolences and support during this difficult time.
Chairman of the Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of the pilgrims in an interview with TV3. He emphasized the inevitability of death and extended sympathies to the bereaved families. The Hajj Board is planning to visit the affected families to provide direct support and solidarity in the coming days.
Following Islamic tradition, all seven pilgrims were laid to rest in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the customs for those who pass away during the sacred journey. This year, over 6,000 Ghanaian pilgrims participated in the Hajj, joining millions of Muslims from around the world. The pilgrimage is known for its spiritually rewarding yet physically demanding rituals, especially in the sweltering heat of Mecca, where temperatures can exceed 48°C.
Despite the challenging conditions, the 2025 death toll of seven pilgrims represents a significant improvement from the previous year. In 2024, 17 Ghanaian pilgrims lost their lives during the Hajj, making this year’s figure a 59% decrease. Alhaji Dauda credited the reduction in fatalities to the collaborative efforts with Saudi authorities, implementing health and safety interventions such as pre-departure medical screenings, Ghanaian medical personnel deployment, and enhanced emergency response protocols.
Additional preventive measures, including hydration centers and health advisories, were put in place to protect pilgrims from heat-related illnesses like heatstroke. The Ghana Hajj Board remains committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of Ghanaian pilgrims, striving to meet international standards for managing large-scale religious gatherings in extreme conditions.
In conclusion, the Ghana Hajj Board’s dedication to improving the welfare of pilgrims and their proactive approach to safety measures have contributed to a decrease in fatalities during the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The organization will continue to refine its systems and protocols to ensure the well-being of pilgrims in future religious journeys.
