President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghana’s Muslim community of a significant reduction in Hajj fares for the 2026 pilgrimage, citing the strengthening Ghanaian cedi and ongoing discussions with Saudi authorities and relevant agencies.
Speaking during Eid ul Adha celebrations in Accra on Friday, June 6, President Mahama acknowledged the high cost of this year’s pilgrimage, despite government efforts to reduce the burden.
“This year, despite efforts, the cost remained high even though we cut it,” he said. “But I want to assure you, we are working closely with the relevant agencies and our Saudi counterparts… If Allah accepts our supplications and the cedi continues to show the recent strength that it has shown, I am optimistic that next year we will see a very significant drop in the Hajj fare.”
President Mahama noted that if pilgrims were traveling at current exchange rates, the cost could have been as low as GHS45,000, a considerable decrease from current rates.
In a move applauded by the Muslim community, the President also revealed plans to make Eid ul Fitr a statutory public holiday. He confirmed that a bill to that effect has been prepared and will soon be submitted to Parliament.
“It means that it will be a law and no longer be declared by executive instrument,” Mahama explained, responding to a long-standing request by Ghana’s Muslim population.
Both announcements were warmly received by worshippers and traditional leaders present at the Eid celebrations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to religious inclusivity and easing the economic challenges faced by pilgrims.
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