7 Ghanaian pilgrims die during 2025 Hajj, Hajj board confirms

Seven Ghanaian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia have died, the Ghana Hajj Board has confirmed. The deceased include five women and two men. Their names have not yet been made public, but their families in Ghana have been informed.

Speaking to TV3 on Saturday, June 7, the Chairman of the Ghana Hajj Board, Alhaji Collins Dauda, extended condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledged the pain such losses bring. “Unfortunately, for the 2025 pilgrimage, we have lost seven of our compatriots. Deaths are painful, but death will come when it has to come and therefore, regrettably, as the case is, we take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families back in Ghana who have been affected in this case,” he said.

He added that Board officials would visit the affected families in Ghana to offer support at a suitable time. All seven individuals have since been buried in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which requires pilgrims who die during the Hajj to be laid to rest there.

This year’s death toll marks a significant improvement from the 17 fatalities recorded during the 2024 pilgrimage. Alhaji Dauda noted that the drop reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen safety measures for Ghanaian pilgrims. “We take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families…,” he reiterated, while also commending the collaboration with Saudi authorities in safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

Over 6,000 Ghanaians joined more than 2 million Muslims worldwide in this year’s Hajj, which took place under intense weather conditions. Reports from Mecca noted daytime temperatures exceeding 48°C, raising health concerns, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those with medical conditions.

The Hajj Board credited the reduced fatality rate to improved safety protocols, including pre-departure health screenings, the presence of Ghanaian medical teams in Mecca, and enhanced emergency medical response systems. Preventative measures such as hydration campaigns and heatstroke awareness were also emphasized.

The Board has assured the public of its continued commitment to reviewing and strengthening its protocols to protect Ghanaian pilgrims during future Hajj seasons.