President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in members of the new Hajj Board, charging them to ensure that thousands of Ghanaian pilgrims fulfill one of the highest pillars of Islam with dignity and peace every year.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency, President Mahama described the Hajj Board as more than just an administrative body, stating that it is an institution that touches the lives, families, and faith of Ghana’s Muslim population directly.
The members sworn in are Hon. Shaibu Mahama, Member of Parliament, who serves as Member and Administrator, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, Mrs. Alimatu Issahak, Alhaji Amadu Tanko, Alhaji Masaud Abubakar, and Chief Ahmed Ibrahim, all as members. Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko serves as Chairman and Leader.
President Mahama emphasized that the Board must operate with kindness in its dealings with pilgrims.
The President urged the Board to remember that every pilgrim carries a personal dream and a lifetime aspiration to stand on the plains of Arafat and give supplications to the Almighty Allah.
“Treat that dream they have with reverence. A kind word at the airport, a helping hand to an older woman in Mina, or a simple act of patience in a queue, these are the gestures that define the spiritual journey. Let your work be guided by empathy. Let the Ghana Hajj be remembered not only for its efficiency, but also for its kindness,” President Mahama stated.
He noted that the Hajj Board is being entrusted with a clear mandate to plan, manage, and execute all matters relating to the annual Hajj in a manner that reflects Ghana’s highest standards.
President Mahama quoted the Quran, citing Surah An-Nisa, Chapter 4, verse 58, which states that whoever is entrusted with a trust must faithfully discharge that trust.
He stated that the Board members have been chosen because of their competence, experience, and integrity, urging them to serve with humility and uphold the trust reposed in them by the state and the Muslim ummah.
“Lead by example, inspire confidence in your stakeholders, and never forget that public office is a form of service when performed with honesty and dedication,” the President said.
He explained that when a Ghanaian pilgrim embarks on the Hajj journey, they do so as ambassadors of the country, carrying Ghana’s national identity of peace, tolerance, and integrity.
President Mahama emphasized that managing Hajj is not just a routine exercise but a sacred public trust that requires competence, transparency, and compassion in equal measure.
He acknowledged that over the years, Ghana’s Hajj operations have seen periods of great success and moments of challenges, noting that each experience has taught valuable lessons about the importance of early planning, inter-agency coordination, and financial discipline.
The President expressed his expectation that the new Board will mark the beginning of a new chapter where efficiency, honesty, and service define every stage of the pilgrimage process.
He stated that the Hajj Board connects Ghana to the broader Muslim world and should be guided by the values of peace, service, and accountability shared in the faith.
President Mahama prayed that the Almighty Allah bless the Board with wisdom, health, and patience, grant safe passage to all Ghanaian pilgrims intending to perform the next Hajj, and accept their supplications.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
