The government has secured a pre-financing arrangement with a local bank to cover major Hajj expenses, allowing a smoother payment process for Ghanaian pilgrims travelling to Mecca.

President John Dramani Mahama announced this on Friday, February 28, 2025, during the sod-cutting ceremony for a permanent Hajj Village in Accra.

Mr Mahama stated that all deposits for accommodation, transport, and other essential services have already been settled, ensuring that no pilgrim will be required to pay beyond GH¢5,000 at this stage.

To prevent last-minute payments that often disrupt travel plans, he said the government has set March 13 as the final payment deadline.

He urged prospective pilgrims to meet this deadline to avoid logistical challenges.

“This year, we do not want a situation where people make late payments and expect to be airlifted. We have set up a task force to manage Hajj operations effectively,” he said.

Mr Mahama also revealed that the government had cleared outstanding debts from previous Hajj operations, preventing financial setbacks that have disrupted past pilgrimages.

He assured Ghanaian Muslims that his administration is working to make the pilgrimage experience more dignified and well-organised, with measures in place to ease the financial burden on pilgrims.