Election 2024: NDC will reduce Hajj fares, fix permanent housing structures at Hajj Village — Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged that the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will take measures to make the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable and accessible for Ghanaian Muslims.

Speaking during his regional tour, Mr. Mahama underscored the importance of enabling more Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation of traveling to Mecca. He specifically pointed to the high cost of Hajj fares as a significant barrier, promising that an NDC administration would address the issue.

“We recognise the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage to our Muslim brothers and sisters. In consultation with the Hajj Committee, the NDC will reduce the cost of Hajj fares to make it easier for more Muslims to perform this important religious duty,” Mahama stated.

He also affirmed the NDC’s commitment to policies that directly support the Muslim community, highlighting improvements made under his previous administration. Mahama referenced the establishment of the Hajj Village near Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra during his tenure. While the facility had initially been constructed with temporary structures like tents, he reiterated the NDC’s 2020 manifesto pledge to transform the Hajj Village into a permanent, modern complex.

“We promised in our 2020 manifesto to replace the temporary tents with permanent housing structures. This would provide a better environment for our Muslim pilgrims, making their experience more comfortable and dignified,” he explained.

However, the former president expressed disappointment over developments under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. He alleged that the NPP administration had sold the land where the Hajj Village is located, describing it as a regrettable decision.

Mahama vowed that if the NDC were voted back into power in the December 7, 2024, elections, his government would not only reduce Hajj fares but also address the situation surrounding the Hajj Village. He promised to ensure the site was properly developed with permanent infrastructure to better serve the needs of future pilgrims.