President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern caution to the Hajj Board over any attempt to exploit Ghanaian pilgrims who have saved for years to fulfil a sacred religious duty.
He said it would be "haram" and unacceptable for such a thing to happen under the watch of the new board, which was sworn in yesterday.
The nine-member Hajj Governing Board is chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko. Other members of the board are Shaibu Mahama, Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim.
Five-point mandate
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency yesterday , the President charged the board to usher in a new chapter of efficiency and integrity, moving decisively away from the logistical challenges and financial opacity that have sometimes marred the pilgrimage in the past.
To this end, the President outlined a clear, five-point mandate for the board.
He demanded early and predictable planning, absolute financial transparency, enhanced safety and welfare for pilgrims, courteous and honest service from all officials, and constant communication with stakeholders, including the National Chief Imam and Saudi authorities.
"A pilgrim's journey is a lifetime aspiration. It is a sacred trust, and we must not allow it to be a source of exploitation or profiteering," President Mahama stated, adding that "Transparency builds trust, and trust is the currency of leadership."
Directive for full digitisation
In a significant move to curb corruption, the President directed the immediate full digitisation of the board's operations.
He announced that from this year, all payments must be made through electronic and traceable channels, with official receipts issued for every transaction.
Furthermore, he tasked the board to develop a mobile application to streamline the registration process which will allow pilgrims to check their status and receive SMS notifications.
"The world has changed, and our Hajj operations must change with it," he said, highlighting that technology is key to reducing fraud and improving efficiency.
Enterprise of unity
Emphasising the national character of the pilgrimage, President Mahama stated that the Hajj belonged to the entire Muslim community across all regions of Ghana, from the Zongos of Accra to Tamale and Wa.
He called for inclusivity and fairness in registration to ensure every community feels represented, strengthening national unity in the process.
The President also urged the board members to be guided by empathy and the Quranic injunction to render all trusts to whom they are due, reminding them that their work would not only determine the success of the pilgrimage but also uplift the image of the nation.
Assurance
Speaking on behalf of the board, Member of Parliament for Daboya/ Mankarigu, Shaibu Mahama, assured the President that the members would be committed to their mandate.
“I stand to let his Excellency know that we will be guided by honesty, service and integrity,” he said.
He indicated that the President’s speech would be pasted around the entire Hajj Village in Accra to ensure that each pilgrim reads it because “it was deep and reflected the essence of the pilgrimage.”
