Ghanaians aspiring to embark on the 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia will be required to pay a fee of GHS75,000, according to an announcement made by the chairman of the board, Ben Abdallah Banda, during a news conference at the Hajj Village in Accra.
Over 4,000 Ghanaians are expected to participate in this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maintaining the same fare as the previous year. The decision to maintain the cost was emphasized last year, regardless of potential fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Cedi and the dollar.
Chairman Ben Abdallah Banda reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and organized exercise for all participants. He assured prospective pilgrims that any discrepancies in the cost estimation would not be transferred to them, and the board is dedicated to upholding the promise made during the previous year’s announcement.
The deadline for payment is set for mid-March 2024, taking into account the timeline for various activities such as the submission of passports, visa issuance, and the preparation of flight schedules.
“When the package was announced last year, we did say that we would maintain the same cost irrespective of whether the Cedi loses its value against the dollar or not. Today, we are happy to announce that we are making good on our promise. The gaps that have obviously cropped up in costing the package will not be borne by the pilgrims,” stated Chairman Abdallah Banda.
This announcement comes as the Hajj Board aims to facilitate a smooth and efficient process for Ghanaian citizens participating in the sacred pilgrimage. The decision to maintain the previous year’s fare reflects the board’s dedication to providing accessibility and stability for those embarking on this significant religious journey.