Hajj fares may drop to GHC50,000 next year – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama says Hajj fares could drop to GHC50,000 next year if the Cedi continues to strengthen against the US dollar.
Speaking in Kintampo during his Thank You Tour in the Bono East Region on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the President explained that the recent rise of the Cedi has reduced the cost of the pilgrimage.
“At the time we started paying for Hajj, the Cedi was at GHC15.5 to the dollar. So, the $4,000 cost of the Hajj was about GHC62,000,” he said.
“But now, if the Cedi stays at GHC10.5 to the dollar, the Hajj fare may go below GHC50,000 next year.”
President Mahama also noted that his government had already reduced Hajj fares from GHC75,000 to GHC60,000, making the pilgrimage more affordable for Ghanaian.
The President’s comments come as the Cedi continues to strengthen, raising hopes that the cost of living will ease across different sectors.
Meanwhile, Friday, June 6, 2025, has been declared a statutory public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, on Thursday, May 29. The ministry urged the public to observe the holiday across the country.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important events on the Islamic calendar. It remembers the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God’s command.
The festival is marked by special prayers, animal sacrifices, and acts of charity. It also comes at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
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