Accra | May 27, 2025 — The National Hajj Task Force has issued a formal apology to Ghanaian pilgrims who were unable to embark on this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca, citing visa complications and other logistical setbacks as reasons beyond its control.
Speaking on behalf of the Task Force, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, Head of Corporate Affairs, acknowledged the frustration and disappointment experienced by affected pilgrims and pledged improved planning in future Hajj arrangements.
“Those pilgrims who paid but were not able to go and had visa problems, we will deal with them, so we can take them along… I want to apologise to them and seek their forgiveness for our inability to carry them now,” he said.
Two Ghanaian Pilgrims Die in Mecca
The Task Force also confirmed the death of two Ghanaian pilgrims during this year’s pilgrimage. Details of the circumstances surrounding the deaths were not immediately disclosed.
This year, Ghana successfully sent approximately 6,000 pilgrims to Mecca for the 2025 Hajj.
Five Pilgrims Repatriated Over Visa Issues
Additionally, five Ghanaian pilgrims were sent back home due to discrepancies in their travel documents. Alhaji Fuseini clarified that their return should not be termed as deportation, but rather as repatriation due to administrative errors.
“Some said they were deported, but we choose to use the word ‘repatriated.’ Deportation connotes some criminality, but these people… have not committed any crime,” he explained.
He attributed the issue to errors in visa realignment, stating that efforts are underway to rectify the situation and facilitate their participation in the pilgrimage as soon as possible.
The Task Force has vowed to investigate the challenges thoroughly and implement reforms to prevent recurrence, ensuring that every qualified pilgrim who pays for the Hajj can undertake the journey smoothly.
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